TSLAC Resources : SCALEUP : Texas State University

LIFT PROGRAM ASSETS

SCALEUP is an initiative at Texas State University focused on helping small businesses grow. In partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, SCALEUP is offering the LIFT program, which is designed to help small businesses grow using social media.

Below are assets to share about the LIFT program.

UPDATE:

LIFT APPLICATION DEADLINE
EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

LIFT logo - English (PNG, 56.7KB)

LIFT logo in English

LIFT logo - Spanish (PNG, 65KB)

LIFT logo in Spanish

LIFT banner - TSLAC - English (PNG, 5.39MB)

LIFT banner - TSLAC - Spanish (PNG, 1.63MB)

ENGLISH VERSION

SPANISH VERSION

LIFT PROGRAM FAQs

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- What is the SCALEUP LIFT Program?
  
  LIFT (Learning and Insights for Forward Traction) is a free, 6-week online program designed to help small business owners grow their businesses by enhancing their social media marketing skills. Participants receive hands-on guidance from an AI-powered chatbot coach, curated business resources, access to LinkedIn Learning, and a certificate of completion from Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business.
- Who is eligible to participate in the LIFT program?
  
  The program is open to small business leaders and entrepreneurs based in Texas.
- Is the program really free?
  
  Yes! Thanks to support from Texas State University and the Kauffman Foundation, the entire program is offered at no cost to participants.
Program Details
- What does the 6-week program include?
  Each week covers a different topic related to social media marketing. You'll receive access to:
  - Weekly learning modules
  - Guided activities and templates
  - Personalized support from an AI chatbot coach
  - A library of resources through LinkedIn Learning
  - Community Q&A and networking opportunities
- How much time should I plan to dedicate each week?
  
  We recommend setting aside about 1-1.5 hours per week to get the most out of the program. The content is flexible and self-paced.
- What platforms or tools will I need?
  
  You’ll need access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. All materials will be hosted online.
Registration and Participation
- How do I register?
  
  You can register online at https://txstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9MmBuEcwqUXMtP8. The registration form takes just a few minutes to complete.
- What happens after I register?
  
  You’ll receive a welcome email with instructions on how to get started. The program officially kicks off on September 1, 2025.
- Can I participate if I don’t use social media for my business yet?
  
  Absolutely. The program is designed for beginners and intermediate users alike.
- Will there be live sessions or is everything self-paced?
  
  The program is primarily self-paced. Optional office hours may be available.
Research Study
- Is the SCALEUP LIFT Program part of a research study?
  
  Yes. The LIFT program is part of a research study led by faculty at Texas State University. The study aims to better understand the challenges and growth strategies of small business owners and how digital tools like AI coaching and online learning can support their success.
- Why is this research important?
  
  Your participation helps researchers learn what types of support are most effective for entrepreneurs. This information will shape future programs and tools that help small businesses like yours grow and thrive.
- What will I be asked to do as a research participant?
  
  If selected for the program, you’ll be asked to complete two short online surveys (one at the beginning and one at the end of the program).
- Do I have to participate in the research part to be in the program?
  
  Yes. Participation in the research study is part of the program requirements. The program is offered at no cost thanks to a research grant, and completing the surveys is essential for assessing the program’s impact.
- Will I be compensated for participating in the research?
  
  Yes. Participants who are accepted into the program and complete all program requirements, including the surveys, will receive a $100 Amazon gift card as a thank-you for their time.
- Is my information confidential?
  
  Yes. Your responses are confidential and will only be used for research purposes. Data will be securely stored and reported only in aggregate. You may skip any question or withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
- Who is conducting the research?
  
  The research is led by Dr. Josh Daspit, Associate Professor in the Department of Management at Texas State University.
- Has this research been approved?
  
  Yes. This study (Protocol #8543) was approved by the Texas State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) on July 11, 2023. For questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact:
  Dr. Denise Gobert, IRB Chair: 512-716-2652 | dgobert@txstate.edu
  Monica Gonzales, IRB Regulatory Manager: 512-245-2334 | meg201@txstate.edu
- What if I don’t want to participate in the research?
  
  If you do not wish to participate in the study, please do not apply to the program. Research participation is required for those accepted into LIFT.
Completion and Certification
- Do I receive a certificate at the end?
  
  Yes! Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University
- What if I miss a week?
  
  No problem. You’ll have access to all materials throughout the 6-week period.
Contact and Support
- Who can I contact if I have questions?
  
  You may contact the SCALEUP team at scaleup@txstate.edu or visit https://scaleup.txst.edu/

SCALEUP ASSETS

SCALEUP is a program at Texas State University focused on helping small businesses grow. Programs and resources are offered through SCALEUP, and updates can be received by subscribing to the SCALEUP newsletter (https://scaleup.txst.edu/).

We invite you to share general information about SCALEUP by sharing the brand assets below on your library's website or in other appropriate ways.

To make this easy, recommended text and graphics are below.

ENGLISH VERSION:

Want to Grow Your Business?

Texas State University’s SCALEUP program and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission are partnering to help local businesses grow.

The SCALEUP program is taking an evidence-based approach to understand the unique challenges that small businesses face when growing.

To learn more about the program and opportunities, visit scaleup.txst.edu.

SPANISH VERSION:

¿Quiere crecer su negocio?

El programa de SCALEUP de Texas State University y la Comisión de la Biblioteca y Archivos del Estado de Texas (TSLAC) están colaborando para ayudar a los negocios locales a crecer.

El programa de SCALEUP está implementando un método basado en evidencia para comprender los desafíos únicos a los que se enfrentan los negocios de poblaciones cuando están creciendo.

Para aprender más acerca del programa y sus oportunidades, visite scaleup.txst.edu.