UBI Connect Q1 2008

Projects in the Community

In 2008 UBI is creating a micro-enterprise laboratory in conjunction with the Aldine YOUTH community center. This will be a place where people who want to start their business can go to learn what really goes into running a business. Participants take part in hands-on activities such as analyzing sales, projecting inventory needs, and learning how much it really costs to employ someone as opposed to sitting in front of a series of power point presentations.

In addition, UBI is providing a tactical seminar series to women who have been victims of domestic violence. Through work with previous clients, volunteers discovered that many women are running their own businesses and using the income to remain economically independent from their abusers. A self-employed woman typically has more schedule flexibility to remain active in her children's lives and activities. This series will be taught in close collaboration with existing women's shelters so the women work within an environment in which they feel secure.

Giving Back : A Success Story

Karen Carter, owner of X-Tra Hands Karen Carter arrived at the Urban Business Initiative on a Thursday afternoon with an idea for a business and the willingness to do everything necessary to get it going. During the initial interview, the Executive Director helped her formulate a draft budget and business plan for her dream of operating as a personal assistant. After the initial interview, Karen attended the series of small business seminars to learn the fundamentals. After the series had completed, she found the support she was looking for in UBI. Assistance from UBI was only a phone call or visit away. When asked about the help UBI provided, she responded, "Most importantly, UBI did not leave me to fend for myself once X-Tra Hands Inc. was established. I am so very proud that I have been fortunate enough to become the product of this wonderful organization that came into my neighborhood to empower me..." At the present Karen not only operates her own company, but she serves on the Board of Directors, giving back to UBI and those who helped her.

Volunteer Strategy Session

On Saturday, February 23rd, a group of volunteers and board members gathered in a conference room to implement UBI's 2008 plan for operation. The meeting was full of energy as general plans turned into specific ideas. People were not only full of ideas, but were quick to take on action items to assist in short term needs. Every attendee left with a clearer understanding of UBI and the ways in which they could help. Thanks to everyone who attended. Help us organize the next meeting by filling our our planning survey online (click here).

*If the link does not display correctly in your email client, copy and paste the following link [http://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=1493&cid=236964] to your browser.

New Seminars

At the annual planning session, the board of directors took a hard look at our seminar offerings and decided to create a new tactical seminar series for small businesses. For some time we have had seminars that talked about strategic business issues such as marketing, or business plans. However, we have not had a series of classes that teach business owners how to address practical issues such as pricing, insurance, or legal structure. If you are interested in developing, reviewing, or teaching these seminars, please let us know. If you haven't done so, fill out a volunteer application by clicking here. Then, send an email to director@urbanbusiness.org requesting a list of topics and how you would like to assist.

*If the above link does not display correctly in your email client, copy and paste the following link [http://www.urbanbusiness.org/vol_app.php] to your browser.

Wanted : A Few Good Groups

In order to best use the resources we have, we have decided to provide our economic development services in conjunction with other non-profits, community centers, and organizations. By doing this, we can help a larger geographic area without needing centers throughout the city. It allows us to provide the classes in an environment that is convenient and comfortable for the participants. The partnering organizations provide their clients with classes taught by highly focused instructors without a need to create an entire seminar series. UBI will focus on helping people better their situation and the communities in which they live. If you are affiliated with an organization that is interested in partnering with us, contact us at partner@urbanbusiness.org to explore opportunities together.

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