Edition:
Business Planning

2008
January/February

A New Year at AnewAmerica

The Business Planning Certificate

AnewAmerica in the Media

News
- Holiday Party
- AnewAmerica in
  New Delhi
- San Jose Update

Profiles
- Current Class
- Entrepreneurs
- Donor

What's New
- Investor's Guild
- Reasons to Give

Did You Know?
- AnewAmerica
  Glossary

Volunteer

Thanks to our Recent Donors!

A New Year at AnewAmerica

Welcome to AnewAmerica’s 1^st edition of the Investor’s Return (IR), our new bi-monthly eNewsletter! As a valued member of the AnewAmerica community, we are excited to share our latest achievements and those of our clients. 

AnewAmerica’s holistic three year Virtual Business Incubator (VBI) begins with six months of intensive coursework in business planning.  In this issue, we will paint the image of the entrepreneurs currently enrolled in classes and provide a description of the first phase of our program.  Future issues will illustrate the two other cornerstones of our program: asset development and social responsibility.  Also included in this issue is a list of our current events, Investor feedback, and latest press. 

Thank you for taking the time to become reacquainted with the work of AnewAmerica.  If you have any inspirations, questions, or ideas surrounding our work, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@anewameica.org. We look forward to working together to create a better America for all!

The Business Planning Certificate

All of our micro-entrepreneurs participate in an intensive six-month business planning course hosted by our area universities and community organization partners. Courses are available in both English and Spanish, with a new Vietnamese class to be added soon.  The comprehensive coursework lends support to participants of diverse generations, cultures, languages, and educational backgrounds while they work together in the “incubator.” 

Coursework empowers students to:
  define their business goals,
  formulate a business plan,
  gain proficiency with technological skills and computing equipment
  establish an effective accounting system, including building financial     literacy, asset development, and homeownership strategies
  integrate social responsibility into their business and lifestyles
  launch effective marketing campaigns
  open their dream businesses

The classroom provides a supportive opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their visions, critique peer proposals, and network.  AnewAmerica’s business coaches provide individualized guidance and encouragement to stay on track.  Our entrepreneurs formed the AnewAmerica Business Alliance where alumni and current students network, develop solidarity, share resources, and polish their business etiquette skills.

San Jose Microbusiness Expo & Open House Friday, March 14th 5-8pm
E-Center: 84 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
Stay tuned for more info...

AnewAmerica in the Media:

Upcoming...

CNN: Comcast NewsMakers
Airing throughout the month of February. AnewAmerica's program staff Jeff Butler and Mimi Ngyuen. (Please check your local listings)

ReCap...

Univision 14:
“Enceuentro en la Bahia”

Saturday, January 19^th, at 10:30 a.m. AnewAmerica’s program staff, Jeff Butler and Carolina Salazar, and entrepreneur Matias Santini

“New guide helps banks tap remittance markets” by Tyche Hendricks
The San Francisco Chronicle 1/8/08 

Full Circle: A Community Open House
KPFA
1/11/08 7pm 
 

Holiday Party

This Friday, January 11^th, staff, volunteers, and clients celebrated the holidays with a potluck dinner at the Green Banana Café at Holy Names University (also the site of AnewAmerica’s food incubator project).  Entrepreneurs from AnewAmerica Alumni to current clients, enjoyed a variety of ethnic food and music.  AnewAmerica’s president, Sylvia Rosales-Fike, spoke about 2007 achievements and future goals.  The night ended with entrepreneurs sharing their compelling stories of the ways AnewAmerica has touched their lives. 

AnewAmerica presents its programs in New Delhi

In December, AnewAmerica Director of Business Development, Jeff Butler, traveled to New Delhi, India, to present at the 2007 Citigroup and Financial Times-sponsored Financial Education Summit.  According to Leslie Meek-Wohl of Citigroup, AnewAmerica was picked because of its comprehensive, integrated approach to moving new Americans (low income immigrants and refugees) to economic stability via micro-enterprise, financial literacy, and social responsibility.

Jeff led discussions on developing the financial competencies of micro and small business owners. He shared the panel with Victor Guerrero of Venezuela’s FUDEP (Asociación Civil Fomento del Desarrollo Popular).  Jeff states, “It was great to be there with people from all over the world, from all kinds of different agencies committed to making micro-enterprise a viable route to stable families and communities.”

The financial summit is held every year in different locations highlighting financial literacy and economic growth topics. This year’s theme was Partnerships for Progress and Inclusion. Its focus is to discuss ways to increase financial stability for low income social groups. Past summits have been held in Seoul, Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, China. Each year there are delegates from over 30 countries and it is considered one of the biggest financial conferences of its type.

San Jose Updates

Profile of current classes

Spotlight: Yonas Gebreselassie

Yonas Gebreselassie came to the U.S. from Ethiopia (via the U.K.) to reunite with his wife.  While adjusting to life in the states, Yonas has developed exciting plans to open a tea lounge in Berkeley.  

Part of our objective is to introduce African tea leaves that haven’t yet been explored in the U.S.  Many of these teas also have medicinal qualities.  We plan to showcase African teas while also offering select imported tea from all over the world, including China and England.  Of course all of the teas will be organic.  Our interest is to create an environment where people will come from different avenues and enjoy the simplicity and calmness of life, regardless of age, race, and wealth. 

Yonas believes the strength of AnewAmerica’s Virtual Business Incubator is the opportunity it presents to share ideas with people developing a diverse array of businesses.  Yonas states, “Above all, I am getting practical insights from participants having practical experience in business.  AnewAmerica has not only helped me strategize and start planning my business, but it also helped me shape my business idea” 

Cecilia Andrade Triumphs with Her Paletas

“I arrived in this country with empty hands but with a strong will to come out on top.  I immediately began looking for trainings that could help me understand the systems this country operates by.  I quickly discovered how fortunate I am to be in such a marvelous country where there are freedoms and opportunities for all.  Anyone can make their dream a reality.” 

Cecilia Andrade is from the village of Tocumbo in the Mexican state of Michoacon.  Tocumbo is famous for paletas, a specialty form of Mexican frozen fruits and ice cream, and Cecilia’s father owned a well-respected paletería (paleta retail business).  Cecilia was inspired to follow her family’s traditional specialty when she arrived in the states and realized that paletas were rare, and those that were being sold were far from authentic.  She states, “I grew up in a very tight-knit family.  My parents inspired me to be an entrepreneur by teaching me this beautiful craft.  I know I have the power to realize my dreams, to experience opportunities, and use my talents to contribute to society.

Through AnewAmerica’s Virtual Business Incubator, Cecilia and her partner (a fellow AnewAmerica entrepreneur) developed their business and marketing plans, conducted market research, and obtained necessary food safety certification.  Cecilia attributes her successes to the help of AnewAmerica:

“I am researching and learning all that is necessary about my business sector so that I can improve all aspects of my business.  I composed a budget and am saving money.  AnewAmerica has taken my hand to lead me through the whole process.  They are always available to help and are attentive to my questions.  AnewAmerica is my second family.” 

Donor Spotlight: Bob Brauer, Donor and Volunteer Since 2004

"Supporting the provision of full opportunity has always been very important to me. Maximizing opportunity helps the individual, their family and society generally. There still are barriers to the full opportunity for many in America. This is particularly true for new immigrants to the United States. AnewAmerica has provided very effective services and programs for economic empowerment of new Americans by providing microbusiness development, asset building, and social responsibility. It has developed stronger and contributing citizens. Its record of accomplishment is what prompted my active participation.  I contribute to organizations and activities that make a difference in the community, the nation and the world.  AnewAmerica has made a real difference in our community." 

Current Volunteer and Internship Opportunities!

Graphic Design Internship, East Bay
Help develop web and print materials, assist clients with marketing strategies, and acquire multicultural marketing experience

Outreach Associate, Berkeley Office
Gain professional experience, help AnewAmerica reach potential clients, and build leadership skills and public relations expertise

Outreach Associate,
San Jose Office
Gain professional experience, help AnewAmerica reach potential clients, and build leadership skills and public relations expertise

Join the AnewAmerica Investor’s Guild!

In response to our supporters, AnewAmerica has created the Investor's Guild.  The Investor’s Guild is a pledge program that allows you to contribute a small amount each month while making a big and long-term investment in new Americans working to build economic stability for their families, communities and America.

It’s fast and easy to join.  Just follow this link to our secure donation page to set up your monthly pledge to AnewAmerica using your credit card. Select the amount that fits your budget, we will process your payment as you choose. It’s that simple. No checks to write, no stamps to buy. To cancel, simply notify AnewAmerica at any time.

For more information, or to make your Investor’s Guild contribution over the phone, please contact us at 510.540.7785 or InvestorsGuild@anewamerica.org. 

Top Reasons to Give to AnewAmerica

AnewAmerica’s donors support our great work for a plethora of reasons.  We asked them to share their thoughts on their inspiration to give to AnewAmerica:

AnewAmerica is the future model for successful entrepreneurs.  You are educating a lot of people who would otherwise not succeed in business.   ~Martha Madrid Donor Since 2003

Tapping into the multiple talents of the newcomers and guiding them to become business owners is a huge contribution AnewAmerica makes to strengthen not only the immigrant community but the greater Bay Area as a whole.    
~Ramon Cardona Donor Since 2005

AnewAmerica is an incredible vehicle to create opportunities for minorities.  Sylvia [AnewAmerica’s Executive Director] is wonderful and empowering.  A lot of people misunderstand immigrant communities…there exists a sense of wanting to be empowered and wanting an opportunity to improve their situations.  
~Charisse Lebron Donor Since 2006

AnewAmerica Glossary

Asset Building –financial literacy, savings incentives, and homeownership education help our clients achieve investment goals for their businesses, their first home, and their retirement. 

Access to Capital – entrepreneurs are empowered to develop credit and equity with local banks and social investors to support their business and investment goals. 

Cohort – refers to the current class of entrepreneurs enrolled in the six-month business training certificate program.

IDA—Individual Development Account.  Entrepreneurs save money and receive matching grants they can utilize to launch their business or purchase a home.

Social Responsibility—a cornerstone of AnewAmerica’s foundation.  We encourage our entrepreneurs to establish green, socially responsible businesses that give back to their communities, become civic leaders, and influence broader social change.

Thank you so much for your continued support,

Sylvia Rosales-Fike
President & CEO