Alexandra Blythe kicked off our 2008 summer seminar series on July 9th at La Rosa Family Services teaching business soft skills and customer service. Each Wednesday for the next 5 weeks a UBI volunteer will be teaching women the essentials of running their own businesses. The seminars are presented by UBI volunteers in Spanish to the women who seek services at La Rosa. Throughout the series, the women will learn how to write a business plan, create a basic financial statement, and evaluate financing options. In addition to the classroom lecture, each session will bring the participants one step closer to having a completed set of forms for opening a sole proprietorship with a business checking account in Houston. Our instructors will focus on showing these women that owning and running their own small business is within their reach. Special thanks to Alexandra Blythe, Gabriela Arbodela, Maria Black, Francia Tovar, and Sandra Espinoza who make these seminars possible.

Our second quarter volunteer update was held at Amazon Grill on June 25, 2008. Prior board members stopped by to show their support and find out the latest news. Volunteers brought guests to learn more about the programs and services UBI offers. Rozanne Barone updated the group on the progress we are making on the new seminar series, and Karen Carter spoke of the work that is being done with local women's shelters. Each volunteer left with a better understanding of these unique challenges, available volunteer positions, and the others who share in their passion. Thanks to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing those faces and more when we host our third quarter volunteer update.

Micro-business Lab Team Continues to Grow

UBI Community Events

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.