Finding Their Feet in the Early Days

Back in 2016, HoMie was a passionate startup with a bold vision: to use streetwear as a vehicle to support young people affected by homelessness. But like many early-stage social enterprises, they were still figuring out how to translate that vision into a sustainable, high-impact business model.

That year, HoMie joined ST Crunch—the social enterprise startup accelerator I was managing. They had the energy, creativity and values. What they needed was structured support to validate their business model, clarify their social purpose, and build the foundations for long-term growth.

My approach

During the four-month accelerator, I guided HoMie through a focused business model validation process, including:

• Refining their social impact goals and defining how success would be measured

• Conducting market research to understand their audience and sharpen their value proposition

• Strengthening their operating model to support growth and day-to-day delivery

After the accelerator, I continued supporting HoMie’s CEO 1:1 through the Crunch Grow program. This next phase included:

• Refining their organisational structure and preparing for Board formation

• Providing strategic guidance on increasing sales and operational efficiency

• Supporting the design and launch of their first employment program for young people experiencing homelessness

What was achieved

HoMie is now a nationally recognised streetwear label and social enterprise, known not only for its clothing but for the real-world impact it delivers. The employment pathways created for young people experiencing homelessness are a direct reflection of the mission-first mindset the team built early on.

It’s been a privilege to play a small part in laying the strategic and operational foundations for what HoMie has become—a values-led brand with community at its core.