Innovation & Entrepreneurship

We want to help you grow, because we did it too.

Start-ups, mid-size companies, and publicly traded corporations all succeed or fail based on their ability to innovate, and more often than not, government and public sector stakeholders are part of that process – regardless of whether you want them to be.

Early-stage companies face particularly unique challenges and often lack the time, resources, and capacity to devote adequate attention to engaging government. YNY’s success stems from the firm’s deep knowledge of both the sectors and communities we work in and is enabled by long-standing relationships and expert ability.

We develop and execute comprehensive, creative, and strategic public affairs campaigns that effectively identify and leverage potential allies and advocates to deliver outcomes ranging from business development and regulatory approvals to legislative amendments and public policy reform.

“When our start up company faced regulatory hurdles in NYC that threatened our business model, we turned to YNY to put a government affairs plan in place that could secure the legislative approvals needed to continue operations. Through innovative organizing and outreach and the right governmental connections, YNY helped us achieve our goal.”

— Todd Schechter | Dog Parker

Our innovation and entrepreneurship strategies:

  • Sharing Our Knowledge
We don’t just get the politics here, we were and are a part of it. Our phone calls get answered because we earn respect with our partners.
  • Public & Media Events
Whether it’s a rally, press conference, or other event. we make it happen from planning to execution. Our audacious approach always draws a crowd.
  • Face-to-Face
When you have a case to make, why send a stranger? We’re familiar faces, and we know every nook and cranny to find you support.
  • Coordinating Our Efforts
Nothing speaks louder than the masses. Our engagement of the communities we’re in means we see who needs to say what for the best results.
  • Social Media & Digital Advocacy
Our experts don’t only go after obvious audiences for your campaign, we know the political landscape to deliver the most effective following.

Case Study

Dog Parker is a Brooklyn-based startup that created the first-ever, temporary-use pet shelters on New York City streets. These climate-controlled, camera-monitored pet shelters are located outside of delis, grocery stores and other businesses the ban dogs and allow dog owners to temporarily – and safely – house their pets while shopping. While the shelters were extremely well-received by pet owners and a number of elected officials, the NYC Department of Transportation found them in violation of sidewalk regulations and ordered a cease-and-desist.

Dog Parker engaged YNY to put together a grassroots and legislative campaign to secure legislative approval for this innovative new product. Tactics included:

  • Demonstrations/tours with key elected officials and neighborhood groups
  • Organizing pet owners in support and utilizing them with targeted letters, calls, emails
  • Organizing business owners supportive of the additional business the pet shelters helped to create
  • Direct engagement with the Mayor’s office
  • Media support, including social media and op-eds
  • Negotiating legislative language with New York City Council members and staff

Results

With the very business model for this entrepreneurial start-up threatened by outdated regulatory structures, YNY was able to secure the introduction and passage of groundbreaking legislation in the New York City Council to allow a pilot program for pet shelters on New York City streets.