For companies facing today’s challenging economic climate, Cultivate New York offers companies, startups and non-profits an opportunity to connect with skilled professionals for a “try-before-you-buy” relationship.

As we all know, the fourth quarter is the most difficult to recruit for since budgets are usually determined in the prior year, and with the economy in the state it is – finding talented professionals to help or take a risk with our companies is not a normal act.

Why would my company/startup/non-profit get involved?

The skilled professionals are preparing to provide their time and skills to your company, for a minimum of 10 hours a week, for 10 weeks. During the most difficult time of the business cycle, this additional support can be immeasurable in terms of sales, exposure, service delivery, what have you.

What is expected of you is to provide the same level of respect, relationship and professionalism you would expect from your skilled professional. You are not hiring this person, you are engaging in a trade of sorts – their time and skills for your opportunity and a chance to make some good from it.

What about the legal implications? Isn’t there some sort of minimum-wage issue?

From our research (and we are not lawyers), since you would be engaging in an “intern”-like relationship, there is no employment relationship – which means there are no employment laws to address. Both parties are able to depart from the project, and we recommend that a contract is drawn up confirming the non-employment relationship for the duration of the engagement.

Who’s going to be there?

In the coming days, we are listing all potential companies in the Companies section and all potential professionals in our Professionals section.

How do I sign up?

Use the following link to sign up at http://bit.ly/linkupnyc-businesses.

Disclaimer: Cultivate New York is the agent that facilitates the meeting between you and the businesses that take part. This is not a hiring situation, this is a volunteer opportunity that does not constitute employment. Any employment relationship is entirely up to each company to make. Cultivate New York is not responsible for any choices made by the parties.