What UpSpring Is All About
UpSpring is a boutique management-consulting firm that’s all about supporting the design, growth, and measurement of values-based, market-leveraging, and sustainable ventures. Operating across New Mexico, throughout the U.S., and even around the globe, UpSpring generates ideas, sparks actions, identifies capital, and measures results to help enterprises grow. Formerly known as Social Enterprise Associates, this certified HubZone small business proudly holds the title of New Mexico’s first B Corporation. It’s a networked, virtual learning organization that brings together seasoned experts and young professionals—the next generation of leaders—to solve problems affordably and effectively.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
UpSpring’s approach is mission-driven, focusing on doing well by doing good. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- Certified HubZone Small Business and B Corp since 2011
- Recognized as ‘Best for the World Small Businesses’ multiple years: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019
- Honored as ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ in 2012
- Founder Drew Tulchin has over 25 years of experience and has helped raise more than $400 million for triple bottom line efforts
- Consulting reach spans New Mexico, the U.S., Native American nations, and over 40 countries worldwide
- Contributed to 100+ triple bottom line and socially entrepreneurial business plans
The Mission and Philosophy Behind UpSpring
UpSpring’s mission is simple yet powerful: to leverage the power of the marketplace for social, community, environmental, and cultural benefit. The firm goes beyond the triple bottom line—people, profit, and planet—to embrace a quadruple bottom line that includes place. It’s not just about advising clients on responsibility; UpSpring practices what it preaches, living by the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. This means being the change they want to see in the world, not just talking about it.
Meet the Team: Diverse Expertise Driving Impact
The team at UpSpring is a dynamic mix of consultants with deep experience across sectors. Drew Tulchin, the founder, is a seasoned expert with a knack for turning new ideas into reality. Tatianna Pavich brings a human-centered design approach and project management skills, having led over 130 immersive art projects for Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Katrina Dutt focuses on community engagement, blending her economics and international studies background with a passion for giving back to New Mexico. Matt Smith, a senior consultant, specializes in scaling operations for social ventures and nonprofits, with a track record of leading MASS Design Group through exponential growth while keeping mission front and center.
UpSpring’s Unique Approach to Consulting
What sets UpSpring apart is its networked, virtual learning model that connects seasoned experts with emerging leaders. This collaborative approach allows for affordable, innovative solutions tailored to each client’s needs. The firm’s expertise spans social enterprise consulting, financial strategy, impact investment, alternative finance, crowdfunding, and sustainability consulting. This broad skill set ensures that UpSpring can support ventures at every stage, from startup to scale-up, always with an eye on creating lasting, positive impact.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Supporting ventures that uplift low-income communities
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting inclusive leadership and equitable opportunities
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Helping businesses grow sustainably and responsibly
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Working with Native American nations and underserved populations
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Advancing place-based impact
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable business practices
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Integrating environmental stewardship into business models
Looking Ahead: The Future of Values-Based Ventures
UpSpring continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in social enterprise consulting. By combining deep expertise, a collaborative network, and a commitment to the quadruple bottom line, the firm is positioned to help more ventures thrive in a way that benefits people, profit, planet, and place. Whether it’s through innovative financing strategies, impact measurement, or community engagement, UpSpring’s work is a testament to the power of doing well by doing good—turning ideas into action and creating lasting change.
