Consultant Application

Apply to join the GLAIN network.

Applications are reviewed personally by GLAIN’s founder. We’re not looking for the most impressive resume — we’re looking for consultants who are genuinely good at working with small businesses and honest about what AI can and can’t do.

Before you apply

The application takes most people 45–60 minutes. You’ll need:

✓One real SMB case study with a measurable outcome

✓Credentials or certifications you can verify

✓A 4–6 minute video introduction (Loom, YouTube, or Vimeo link)

✓Two professional references — at least one client

The Application

Expect a response within 5–7 business days.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

1About You

2Your Practice

3Credentials and Experience

4SMB Case Study

5Video Introduction

6Professional References

7Membership Tier

8Confirm and Submit

Thanks for your interest in joining the Great Lakes AI Network. This application has eight sections and takes most people 45 to 60 minutes. Take your time on the case study and video — those two things tell us more than anything else.

Full name *

Business or practice name *

Website (if applicable)

LinkedIn profile URL

Primary email address *

Confirm Email

Phone number *

City and state *

How did you hear about GLAIN?

How would you describe what you do in plain language? *

Write this as if you're explaining it to a small business owner, not a colleague. 100 words or less.

What are your primary service areas? Check all that apply. *

AI Strategy and Roadmapping
AI Tool Selection and Implementation
Workflow Automation
Generative AI Integration
AI Governance and Policy
Data Readiness and Management
AI Training and Education
Digital Accessibility and AI-Assisted Compliance
Machine Learning / Predictive Analytics
AI-Powered Marketing and Content
Other

What industries do you have direct experience working in? Check all that apply. *

Healthcare / Medical Practices
Legal
Financial Services
Retail / E-commerce
Manufacturing
Construction / Trades
Nonprofit
Education
Hospitality / Food and Beverage
Real Estate
Professional Services (Accounting, Consulting, HR, etc.)
Other

What is the typical budget range of the SMB clients you work with? *

Under $5,000 per engagement
$5,000 – $15,000
$15,000 – $50,000
$50,000+
Varies widely — I work at all scales

What does your smallest engagement typically look like? *

Describe the scope, deliverable, and approximate cost. Be specific.

Describe your typical client at the start of an engagement. *

What do they know, what do they think they want, and what do they actually need?

List your relevant certifications, credentials, or formal training. *

For each credential list: Credential Name | Issuing Organization | Year Earned. One per line.

How many years have you been doing this work professionally? *

Less than 1 year
1–2 years
3–5 years
6–10 years
10+ years

Link to credential verification (if available online).

If your credentials can be verified via a public URL (e.g. Credly, certification registry), paste it here.

Upload credential documentation (optional).

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

PDF, JPG, or PNG. Max 10MB per file. Upload certificates, transcripts, or verification documents here. You can upload multiple files.

Are there any active disciplinary proceedings, unresolved client complaints, or legal matters related to your professional practice that GLAIN should be aware of? *

No
Yes — I'll describe briefly in the field below

If yes, please describe briefly.

This will not automatically disqualify your application. Honesty here matters more than a clean record.

This is the most important section of the application. We want one real example of work you've done with a small or midsize business. No enterprise work, no hypotheticals. A real client, a real problem, a real outcome. You don't need to name the client if they've asked for confidentiality.

Client description. *

Industry, approximate size, and context. No name required if confidential.

What problem were they trying to solve, and what had they already tried? *

What did you do? Walk us through your approach in plain terms. *

What was the outcome? Be specific. *

Vague answers like 'the client was satisfied' are not sufficient. What measurably changed?

What did you learn from this engagement that changed how you work? *

What was the approximate total engagement cost to the client? *

Record a short video — 4 to 6 minutes, no longer. No scripts, no production value required. Cover these three things: (1) Who you are and what you do in plain language. (2) Why you work with small businesses specifically. (3) One thing you think most SMB owners get wrong about AI. We’re looking for clarity, directness, and honesty — not polish.

Video link (YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom). *

Make sure the link is set to public or unlisted — not private.

Provide two professional references. At least one should be a former or current client. References will be contacted.

Reference 1 — Full name. *

Reference 1 — Relationship to you. *

Reference 1 — Email address. *

Confirm Email

Reference 1 — Phone number.

Reference 1 — OK to contact by phone? *

Yes, phone is fine
Email only please

Reference 2 — Full name. *

Reference 2 — Relationship to you. *

How Check to

Reference 2 — Email address. *

Confirm Email

Reference 2 — Phone number.

Reference 2 — OK to contact by phone? *

Yes, phone is fine
Email only please

Which tier are you applying for? *

Foundation (Free, or $19/month with video and a Contact button) — Directory listing, bio, case studies
Active ($49/month) — Project briefs 48 hours after release, member community and #handoffs
Premier ($99/month) — Project briefs 24 hours earlier, priority placement, Premier badge
Partner ($199/month) — First access to every brief, top placement, Partner channel and office hours

Not sure? Start with Foundation or Active — you can upgrade at any time after joining.

Why do you want to be part of GLAIN specifically? *

Is there anything about your practice, background, or situation that you think we should know?

Almost done. Please confirm the following before submitting.

By submitting this application, I confirm that: *

All information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge
I have read the GLAIN Ethics Attestation and am prepared to sign it if accepted
I understand that submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance
I understand that GLAIN will contact my references as part of the review process

Questions before applying? Email jeff@greatlakesai.solutions

Apply to join the GLAIN network.

Before you apply

The Application

For Businesses

For Consultants

Company