A business model can help local data intermediaries organize operations and understand one’s clients, revenue and value and the streams and products that connect them. Business models should be revised and refined over time as an organization’s activities, capacity, and reputation develop, and the local funding environment evolves. Despite its importance, there is no one prescribed format to develop a business model and the process can often be overwhelming for staff. In this short brief, we introduce the Business Model Canvas, one available tool to facilitate a participatory, rapid design process for business models.

See the accompanying brief, “The Business of a Local Data Intermediary” for guidance on business and sustainability strategies for local data intermediaries.