Entrepreneur Profile

Entrepreneur Profile: Luis Mora

Entrepreneur Profile

Luis Mora - AnewAmerica Class of 2012

Glancing at the computer on his desk, Luis Mora states, “My goal for the future is to be financially independent, so my business is the first step towards being financially independent... And then to give back to the community, help out. That’s what I want to do.”

When Luis was a student at San Francisco State University, he began fixing computers as a hobby. After two years of working at a computer store in Berkeley, Luis says, he realized that he had the hands-on experience and the drive to start a business of his own. However, he did not have a business background or formal training. When Luis began AnewAmerica’s Business Incubation program, he put what he learned into action immediately, and his business developed over the course of the class. He also enrolled in a fast-paced, 22-week IT certification program to increase his technology skill set.

Luis states, "AnewAmerica opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed.  I have so many more opportunities to grow my business than I have ever had before. I am so grateful for AnewAmerica’s program and my participation in the Stride Center.  AnewAmerica does not just offer a class, it offers opportunities and it opens doors."

Today, Luis owns and operates his own business: itekh Tech Support, located at 12972 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94905. You can also reach him by phone at (510) 253-2636, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Entrepreneur Profile: Fernando Alvarado

Entrepreneur Profile

Building Green

Fernando Alvarado: AnewAmerica Class of 2010

A Colombia native, Fernando Alvarado immigrated to California in 2000 with his family in search of a new home and a more prosperous livelihood. In his home country, Fernando received a degree in Civil Engineering and worked for the government, but felt unsafe in the politically unstable situation of Colombia. When Fernando arrived in U.S., he knew he wanted to put his education and experience to use in the field of construction.

Fernando started his career in the U.S. by getting contract work with other construction companies, which provided him with great experience with U.S. construction businesses, but was not always reliable and did not give him with the flexibility and independence he desired. In 2006, Fernando began thinking about starting his own business in order to achieve his personal and professional goals, but was unsure of where to start. “Starting a new business is difficult; especially when you are unsure of the state and federal laws you need to follow. It also takes a lot of start up money, which I did not have,” Fernando explains. Two and a half years after his initial thoughts of creating his own business, Fernando excitedly found AnewAmerica and knew this was his opportunity to get started. In 2009, he enrolled in AnewAmerica’s Assets for New Americans: Virtual Business Incubator program and completed the twenty-five week certificate in Business Planning. Fernando describes his experience, “AnewAmerica offered me everything I needed to start my own business. They helped me to understand the laws for starting a new business and provided me with the initial financial support I needed. This has really helped my business to grow and will continue to support it into the future. I would not have been able to do this without AnewAmerica.”

Fernando has now operated his construction business, Alvarado Constructions, for almost three years. His business is an AnewAmerica Certified Green Business, as he is taking steps to ensure his construction operations are environmentally-friendly. When discussing some of the challenges around creating a new business, Fernando states, “It is difficult to get started, as you need people to know about you, to help build a positive reputation in the community. This takes time, and has to be done step by step to make sure your business grows sustainably. AnewAmerica has helped me with these challenges by setting up several events each year that my company participates in. This helps new customers learn about my work and allows my business’ name to grow. AnewAmerica has also hired me for projects. I have put in hardwood floors and have built cabinets and tables for them. In this way, others can see the quality of my work.”

Fernando still has many hopes and dreams for the future, and AnewAmerica continues to support him in this process. AnewAmerica’s Business Planning program helped Fernando to outline his future goals in a ten year business plan and to create new marketing strategies to expand his clientele. Fernando hopes for his business to continue to grow, to become a model for green construction, and to someday construct a home for his family. Fernando’s vision for the future of Alvarado Constructions is to help revitalize communities by renovating old and dilapidated buildings so they can be made livable and a source of pride in the community.

With the financial support and training Fernando received from AnewAmerica, he is now in the position to support other immigrants in his community who want to start new construction businesses. At his church, Fernando is now leading a Sunday school class to help others study for the construction certification exam. Fernando feels this is an important part of owning a local business and explains, “These people are in the same position I was three years ago, and I am now in the position to help them. I want to help provide them with the same opportunities I had to start my own business and to achieve my dreams.”

Alvarado Constructions works throughout the Bay Area on a variety of construction and renovation projects. Click here to visit their website. You can contact Fernando Alvarado by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone: (510) 467-3634 to learn more about his green construction projects.

*Story by Alison Fischman

*Photo courtesy of Anne Hamersky

Entrepreneur Profile: Penny Baldado

Entrepreneur Profile

Penny Baldado: Opening Her Dream Green Café

AnewAmerica Class of 2009

Penny Baldado moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1999, to reunite with her father who had been living in the states for many years.  She viewed the move as a way to expand her opportunities.  However, Penny found the transition to life in America difficult, and she felt powerless after leaving her support system in the Philippines.  Eventually, she found a job bussing and waiting tables at a Filipino restaurant.  Then, she took the opportunity to work in the kitchen as a sous-chef.  Gradually, she gained a grasp of cooking and working in the kitchen.  Before long, she was promoted to Head Chef.

Read more: Entrepreneur Profile: Penny Baldado