Women's Initiative e-Newsletter

May 3, 2007


International Workers’ Day was celebrated on May 1 to mark the passage of limiting work days to eight-hours. Essentially it is about fairness and opportunity in the work world. We took a moment to recognize that we still have a way to go. There are thousands of people working in the Bay Area in conditions that are unacceptable. Without a strong education or political leverage, they continue to struggle with finding a voice of fairness. Current minimum wage does not support even a single person living in the Bay Area. So many people find that they must work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. We are heartened to see that our graduates are able to build businesses that are flexible and allow them to meet their needs. They are choosing to pursue what they are passionate about and finding a way to make it work in their lives. For some that means designing jewelry at 2:00 am, and for others it means working a part-time job and spending a few days a week growing their own business. Most make incomes far exceeding what they could make working for others. Our graduates also report socially responsible business practices and great wages for their employees. Thanks to your support, we have now expanded regionally. Our first classes graduated in Richmond a few weeks ago and in another two weeks we will graduate our first Concord class. Have a wonderful week.

HOT TOPICS

Find a hairdresser, photographer, or caterer on Women's Initiative NEW online business directory
 We’ve had so many requests for an online business directory and now Women's Initiative is proud to deliver on that promise. The new online business directory is here! This is the go-to place for you to find a product or service from a woman-owned business! This is the first edition and we are excited about expanding it to include more of our fabulous graduate-owned businesses in the next month. To visit the directory, CLICK HERE. Be sure to bookmark it as a favorite web page!

Bill to fulfill need for micro-business training
California’s very small micro-businesses stand to benefit from a bill which passed the California Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on April 23. The bill, sponsored by Senator Yee, will establish a grant program to drive growth of microenterprise development. Local microenterprise development providers, such as Women’s Initiative, can get grants up to $100,000 for providing training to micro-businesses. Women’s Initiative supported the bill and our data was critical in demonstrating to the committee the economic impact of investing in training for microenterprises. If you are interested in learning more please read the article in the California Chronicle.


Are you ready to invest in dreams?
Tue., May 22, 2007 from 5:30-9:00 pm at the Westin St. Francis
San Francisco — The momentum behind the Women's Initiative “Invest in Dreams” is growing! ABC7’s View from the Bay will be with us – live, on-air and online! Our honorees will be interviewed on shows prior to the gala – and show co-host, Janelle Wang, will give a special welcome at the event. Women's Initiative Connector, Fran Zone, is a contributor to the show and put it together. She has a special on-air surprise planned for our winners. Be sure to watch us on View from the Bay on ABC7 live May 11, 18 and 23, 3:00-4:00 pm, or online at www.viewfromthebay.com.

The estimated $350,000 that will be raised from the gala will allow more women to explore their dream of business ownership, gain tools needed to make it a success and allow them to access micro-loans to capitalize their business. Our gala will bring together 750 of the Bay Area’s most influential women and business people to honor women entrepreneurs and those who have committed to their success. The gala, hosted by co-chairs Larry Colton, Carmen Castro-Franceschi and Muffie Meier, is a chance to network and shop at the marketplace for unique gifts ranging from beautifully designed jewelry to bath and body products. Twenty graduate vendors participate in the marketplace. Women's Initiative graduate and jewelry designer, Darlene Roberts will serve as emcee.

To start the evening's program JAS Dance, a salsa dance troupe, will offer an explosion of rhythmic energy and Cuban hip motion that are guaranteed to get your blood flowing. The gala is generously sponsored by Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab and Union Bank of California. To buy your tables and tickets to the event CLICK HERE.
 
MEET OUR CONNECTORS

SuccessLink includes a dynamic “speed-mentoring” program with Connectors who are influential women in companies, senior managers, or small business owners.

Today we introduce you to three of our over 200 Connectors: Christine Chang of Robert Half Management Resources; Shelley Yim of AON Risk Services; and of KKL Image Consulting.

1 - What inspires you to meet and talk with Women's Initiative graduates?

Christine: Definitely the fact that I had my own CPA firm inspires me to talk to the graduates. I used to have small business clients and I know how much help you need when you start your own business.

Shelley: I've been fortunate to have many mentors who had an entrepreneurial spirit, which has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally. I feel strongly that my mentors have been instrumental in my success and it's important to me personally to assist where I can.

Kathryn: I think it's important to be involved in the communities you do business in. The Women's Initiative graduates do amazing things and develop socially responsible businesses. Being a Connector allows me to assist incredible women who improve their communities.

2 - Why are you a Connector?

Christine: Because I believe in Women's Initiative's mission. We all need more women business owners, period!

Shelley: Networking is critical professionally. Having a "godmother" or "godfather" makes all the difference in trying to move forward personally or professionally. Being able to assist in any way, large or small, can make a world of difference.

Kathryn: Because it took me a while to learn that I didn't have to re-invent the wheel, unless I wanted to. Now, I gratefully utilize the expertise of others when I can and I am happy to be at a point where I can help someone else.

3 - What is your favorite advice about networking?

Christine: Yes, network, network and network. Network when you are busy and when you don't need to network. By the time you need to or have to network, it's too late. Network not to gain; it's to give so that you can get. I am a firm believer in networking to increase your wealth, happiness and fun.

Shelley: Don't be shy! Most people want to help where they can but with everyone's schedules being so busy, it helps to be persistent (but not annoying!). Tenacity is key!

Kathryn: Instead of worrying about meeting the "right" person, just try to have two or three interesting conversations with new people.

If you are interested in becoming a Connector for Women's Initiative, please CLICK HERE for more information.

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EVENTS

Oakland's First Annual Indie Awards Tomorrow
Join the award ceremony and festivities on Friday, May 4, 5:30 - 8:00 pm at the Rotunda Building
(300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland). A few Women's Initiative graduates have been nominated! Tickets are $20 (2 for $35) after April 1st. Starving artists, entrepreneurs, and others in need: sponsorships, barters and other arrangements can be made to cover your ticket costs.
Register Here - Pay Online via Credit Card or Mail a Check

Small Business Week Kickoff with Mayor Gavin Newsom
Mon, May 7, 5:30 pm - Women's Initiative will be participating in the Kickoff Celebration and Resource Fair at San Francisco City Hall, featuring Flavors of San Francisco showcasing over 21 restaurants and hosted by Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco Small Business Commission, Small Business Administration. This is a networking event with the opportunity to taste the diverse flavors from our unique restaurants and to network with small business resource providers. Everyone is invited to attend and the event is free of charge. For details of all programs provided during Small Business Week and to register, see www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com.

Be Wise: A Series of Workshops on Preventing Scams, Fraud and Identity Theft
Assemblywoman Loni Hancock in collaboration with Elder Financial Protection Network and the Seniors against Investment Fraud Program, invites you to these events. Seniors are one of the most targeted groups by scam artists and abuse is on the rise. Come learn about the steps you can take to combat fraud before it happens. Wed, May 9, 10:00 – 11:30 am at the West Berkeley Senior Center (1900 Sixth Street, Berkeley); Thurs, May 24, 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Emeryville Senior Center (4321 Salem Street, Emeryville); or Thurs, May 31, 10:00 – 11:30 am at the North Oakland Senior Center (5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland). Please RSVP to Melissa Male at (510) 559-1406.

Save the Date: Fruitvale Office Grand Opening for Women's Initiative
Thurs, Jun 21, 2007, 11:30 am - ribbon cutting, reception and ongoing walking tours of local Women’s Initiative businesses. Please join the celebration! 3700 E. 12th Street, Oakland (three blocks from the Fruitvale BART Station). For more information contact Madhuri at (510) 287-3107.

 
IN THE NEWS

On Apr. 25, 2007 the California Chronicle featured an article discussing the microenterprise bill that was passed. Women's Initiative’s economic impact is mentioned in the article. CLICK HERE to read.

San Jose Mercury News on May 1, 2007 highlighted Women's Initiative search for real estate in the area. CLICK HERE to read.

The most recent issue of City Flight Magazine featured graduate Yvonne Brown. Read the story about our Oakland-based chef, CLICK HERE.

The journal Race, Poverty and the Environment features an article about quality jobs written by Karuna Jaggar, Women's Initiative Research and Public Policy Director. To read the article CLICK HERE.

Have you recently been featured in the media? Let us know about it by emailing Justina at jcross@womensinitiative.org.
 
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

Help influence national policy by sharing your own story
Are you a Latina, African-American, Asian or multicultural woman who owns a business? The Center for Women’s Research is recruiting participants for a national research project that will take place in San Francisco in July. If you’d like to apply to participate CLICK HERE to register and to see if you meet the guidelines.

Are you Maxed Out?
Our clients are constantly struggling with predatory credit and lending practices. To learn more about predatory credit card practices in a discussion on NPR . Also there is a great movie that just came out called “Maxed Out” that highlights these dangerous debt-enabling practices.

 
 
KNOW A FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR?
Word of mouth is the best way for people to know about our program. Consider recommending Women's Initiative to a low-income woman in your network. We have classes starting in San Francisco, Oakland, San Rafael, Concord, Richmond and San Jose. Pick up a few of our NEW course schedules at the San Francisco or Oakland office to pass out or display at your storefront. Thank you to Kessler Group for re-designing our course schedule and being a terrific partner.