Problem

Low income new American immigrants and refugees have few resources to help guide them toward financial security for their families. Many immigrant entrepreneurs do not have the tools to access "the system" in America. They fear government because they experienced human rights abuses in their home countries. They face barriers of language. They lack formal credit histories to qualify for loans. They do not have the "networks" to access markets or mentors to help them grow their businesses.

The Gift

The gift will provide one new American with one Business Planning class. AnewAmerica offers entrepreneurs a holistic 25 week college certificate program in Business Planning. Classes are offered in Spanish, English, and Vietnamese, through partnerships with local Bay Area universities. Entrepreneurs develop a sense of empowerment in a classroom full of fellow immigrant entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur learns the skills they need to launch a business, including how to manage cash flow and inventory, how to operate a marketing plan, and how to write their business plan and obtain a business license. Classes also include education on financial literacy, home ownership, asset development, green business development, and community engagement. AnewAmerica's holistic model of microenterprise development produces viable, socially-responsible and economically resilient businesses that are a service to the communities in which they operate.