A simple three-phase framework, four fixed-scope engagements, and one promise: practical solutions that save time, reduce workload, and improve outcomes — delivered in weeks, not months.
Every Balboa Insights engagement is one phase of a three-phase framework. You can enter at any phase and stop at any phase — but the shape is always the same: get clear, build something that works, keep it working.
Get clear on opportunities and risks.
Map your data, systems, and team readiness. Prioritize the use cases most likely to move a number — and rule out the ones that won't.
Turn ideas into practical solutions that deliver measurable results.
One use case from idea to working tool in six focused weeks. Or one analytical question, taken seriously and answered in writing.
Keep the improvements working and growing over time.
Senior data leadership on retainer for the months after launch — strategy, vendor calls, board briefings, and a graduation plan to a full-time hire when you're ready.
For when you want to compare quickly without scrolling four cards.
| AI Readiness Audit | Rapid AI Pilot | Targeted Analytics for Growth | Fractional Data Leadership | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Diagnosing what's there before any build | Building a working AI tool for one use case | Getting to a defensible answer on one question | Ongoing senior data leadership without the hire |
| Output | Roadmap + governance starter | Working AI in production | Decision-ready written answer | Strategy, briefings, vendor calls |
| Length | 4 to 6 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks | 6 to 12 months |
| Price | $35,000 to $45,000 | $50,000 to $80,000 | Varies | $5,000 to $10,000 / month |
| Audience | Nonprofits & SMBs | Nonprofits & SMBs | SMBs primarily | Nonprofits & SMBs |
The shortest path is matching your sentence to the offering it points at.
"I want to know if our data and team are ready for AI before we spend anything."
Start with the Audit"We have a specific bottleneck and want a working AI tool that fixes it."
Start with the Pilot"We have a specific analytical question and need a defensible answer for the board."
Start with Growth Analytics"We need senior data thinking on retainer until we're ready to hire someone full time."
Start with Fractional"Honestly, I'm not sure yet."
Take the 2-minute scorecardA four-stage sprint with weekly checkpoints. Tight scope, fast feedback, a working tool at the end. The Audit follows the same rhythm at a smaller scale; the Fractional engagement is structured around quarterly reviews instead of weekly ones.
Week 1
Stakeholder interviews, use case selection, success metrics, and ROI framing. We pick the use case most likely to work and matter.
Weeks 2–3
Data prep, architecture, and model design. We choose the simplest approach that beats the baseline. No over-engineering.
Weeks 4–5
Prototype, validate, and iterate weekly with your team. You'll see working software every Friday, not a slide deck.
Week 6
Deployment, training, and a 90-day roadmap to scale. Your team owns the tool on day one.
Not sure? Take our free 2-minute AI assessment. You'll get a clear read on which engagement makes sense for you, no sales call required.
Pick the one that matches the time you have right now.
Seven questions. A personalized read on which engagement fits your situation, by email.
Start the scorecard → 30 minutesTalk directly with a senior principal. No deck, no junior gatekeeper, no obligation.
Pick a time → 5 minutesA board-ready AI policy template for nonprofits and SMBs. Free, plain language, yours to adapt.
Get the template →