EGBI experienced a truly unprecedented year in 2011. Although the organization is several years old, our theme for the year was for all intents and purposes "START-UP."  So, just like we advise our budding entrepreneurial clients, we set out to 're-start EGBI' while driving to take our organization to the next level. 

   We revamped and improved our Building Success Program curriculum - Boot Camp, Tech Steps, and Biz Steps.  We graduated 59 from our Biz Steps program - exceeding the total of prior three years.  It has been inspiring to see our diverse clientele starting a variety of businesses, bond together, and become more motivated, confident and an encouragement to each other as they share their ideas and challenges.

   Our volunteers have been an awesome resource for EGBI.  50 out of the 70 evening training sessions held in 2011, were facilitated by highly regarded "subject matter experts" in the areas of law, insurance, banking, accounting, and marketing. Their professional insight and experience with small businesses has been invaluable for our clients.

   We are also developing new services that are relevant to our clients, including a small business financing process that we expect to become more important this year.

   Finally, we have ramped up our incubation usage and have seen the next generation of clients "graduate" to their own space.

   In 2012, we are looking forward to growing the number of clients served by 20%. Our future success is dependent on a steady stream of passionate clients, dedicated volunteers, and an expanded base of investors to fuel our growth plans.   

   We look forward to your support and endorsement of EGBI!

 

  Sincerely,   

 

   Al Lopez 

   Whether you are a start up or a small business in growth phase, our Building Success Program will give you the training, tools, network and opportunities to help you succeed. You will learn how to write a business plan and will get an overview of the legal and tax aspects of setting up a company. You will also learn how to do budgets and create financial projections. Among other topics, the training includes classes on financing, marketing, social media, pricing and selecting the right location for your business.
Boot Camp, Tech Steps and Biz Steps sessions.

   Don't forget to register and attend our Lunch and Learn Workshop  

on April 19th. It will provide an introduction and overview of state and federal taxes that affect small business owners and provide useful tips and resources for running a small business in compliance with tax laws.  

   We will cover common questions about taxes as well as practical advice for avoiding tax penalties. Even if you already have a tax accountant or payroll service, this workshop will provide you with tax information that every small business owner should know.

Cost: $20.00. Click here to register.

   We are excited to announce that EGBI partnered with Las Comadres Para las Americas and Accion Texas to launch Empresarias, an entrepreneurial program for Spanish speaking women sponsored by State Farm. Nine women with previous limited access to formal business training, began the program in mid-March. The course include an introduction to Microsoft Office tools and an introductory class on entrepreneurship. The core of the program is the formal business training that takes them through the process of creating a business plan, establishing and marketing a business, and many other topics that give them the foundations to good management.


   We also launched an IT Certification Training for individuals who want to start a career in Information Technology (IT). Our 2-month (160 hours) program prepares students for CompTIA's A+ and Network + certification tests and gives them the hands on experience needed for the field. Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to install and configure computer components, troubleshoot issues with Microsoft Windows, develop and troubleshoot secure computer networks. Our next class begins on April 30th. For more information, email abraham.galvan@egbi.org.

We Got Connected!
Getting Connected business resource fair at the Palmer Events Center

   On April 12th, EGBI participated in "Getting Connected", a Free Business Resource Fair organized by the City of Austin Small Business Development Center. Over 550 attendees got an opportunity to meet, network and learn from local organizations that assist business owners. We were excited to see so many people with new business ideas approach us, and we applaud their enthusiasm and courage for learning and connecting with the various resources available in our city. Small businesses are the driving force behind our economy and we are glad to contribute to their creation, development and training.

The EGBI Team is Growing!
Nayeli Gallegos joins EGBI as Market Analyst

   EGBI welcomes Nayeli Gallegos, who has joined the organization as our first Market Analyst.  With our growing network and expanding services, we are fortunate to have someone with Nayeli's experience join our team.  She will create strategies to market EGBI programs and develop partnerships with local organizations to expand EGBI's footprint.
   Nayeli was previously at the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for several years where she was a great asset.  With her addition, you will see more frequent and complete communications and updates from EGBI.  Her experience and network of connections will bring tremendous value to our organization and the clients we serve.

 

 

A hairstylist since 1990, Brenda Carrera graduated from our Building Success Program in 2007 and began working on a business plan. She had to put her plans on hold, but her entrepreneurial spirit did not allow her to give up on her dream. At the end of 2010, she was offered the opportunity of taking over the hair salon where she was working.  

 

In a time where small businesses have trouble getting financing, Carrera turned to EGBI for assistance. Through our loan packaging service, she received help on updating her business plan and financial projections.  

 

With a strong loan package, she was  approved by A+FCU for a term loan that allowed her to buy the business assets, remodel the location and support her business operations for the first three months.  

 

Carrera's own Hair Central Salon began operations in May 2011 and she currently has five full time employees.

  

 

"...Thank you for the time you dedicated to enhancing my business plan and cost projections. I sincerely appreciate the key role you played in this process and I am

extremely grateful for the service provided by EGBI..."

 ~ Brenda C., Hair Central Salon

 

EGBI continues to be a service for Brenda Carrera. We were glad to see her attend our March workshop on Wordpress, and we  hope to continue seeing her at future workshops and events.