About Bridge 2 Success

If you have business savvy to share and the desire to help build a community of successful and socially responsible entrepreneurs,  Bridge 2 Success is the program for you! Bridge 2 Success  is a volunteer program that offers professionals the opportunity to affect real change in our community by helping AnewAmerica’s eager microentrepreneurs, who have earned our Business Planning Certificate, put their plans into action. Click here for more information on who we serve. 

With just a few hours per year, you can give our graduates insight,  inspiration, and  jump-start their business dreams.

Join us for our consulting sessions!

We need 1-on-1 tutoring in the areas of marketing, cash-flow management, technology, business plan review, and action plan building.

*Bilingual volunteers are highly sought, those with Spanish and Vietnamese language skills in particular.
 

Bridges are professionals who want a real sense of accomplishment by sharing expertise, lessons learned, and encouragement with our dedicated and talented graduates.

With the help of mentors, Bridge 2 Success allows our entrepreneurs to:

*build action plans
*create marketing materials & build brands
*set-up effective financial or production systems
*reach their goals

Bridges...
* Provide 1-on-1 mentorship via discussion and mock sessions specific to the individual needs of their entrepreneur.
*Have experience in a specific industry or specific business skills.
*Lead Business Action Circles that address specific business ideas or industries.

Time commitment: Three hours, twice a year.

Past Events

August

*Ulan McKnight of YVOD, Inc., presented 'What does a Business Website Cost?' He discussed the pieces, costs, and best practices for setting up an effective business website.

July

*Eduardo Vela, Jose Selvestre, Dennis Sarip, Alfredo Vidrio, and Heather Allen from US Bank in Walnut Creek hosted 'How to get Money for your Business and Other Banking Basics.'

*Look for our entrepreneurs on Craigslist! Derek Chen, Haas School of Business Student, hosted the ‘How to Advertise on Craigslist’ BAC, where entrepreneurs learned how to write and post an effective ad. Click here to learn how to post your own ad!

June

*Entrepreneurs learned how to develop their marketing positions and messaging at the 'How to be a Smart Advertiser' Business Action Circle.  Bridges Darren Ballegeer and Elena Miramar of Vision Hispana Newspaper/Vision Marketing offered entrepreneurs first-hand guidance on identifying their competitive edge and appealing to the media. 

Elena Miramar presents at June's
How to be a Smart Advertiser BAC

May
*Business plans turned to action plans at two consulting sessions this month! Entrepreneurs worked 1-on-1 with Bridges to create measurable actions steps out of their business plans, develop their marketing strategies, and build effective financial plans to achieve their goals.

April
*Bridges helped entrepreneurs navigate the legal system at the ‘How to Formalize your Business’ workshop! Susana Villarreal from the city of Oakland and Roberto Costa of the Oakland Business Development Center met with entrepreneurs to discuss the legalization process step-by-step, and to offer individual advice and information on local resources.  For more information on formalizing your business click here…

*Entrepreneurs enhanced their networking skills with Terry Alderete, Chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda, at the ‘How to Network’ Business Action Circle. The workshop was followed by two invites to HCCAC mixers, where entrepreneurs got the opportunity to practice their skills.

To become an AnewAmerica Bridge click here to download the volunteer  intake form

For more information on  the Bridge 2 Success Program, download the Bridge 2 Success brochure here or contact  volunteer@anewamerica.org.