Last week we welcomed ten determined and inspiring small business entrepreneurs at the spring kick-off session of Centro's advanced business training, the Entrepreneur Readiness Program.
Graduates of this program include Reem Assil, owner of the Arab bakery Reem's; Tiff and Sylvee Esquivel, owners of the vegan food truck, Hella Vegan Eats; Feleciai Favroth, owner of Skincare by Feleciai; among many others. We wish this incoming group of participants as much success and beyond!
We are also pleased to announce the enrollment of our youngest entrepreneur so far. Lindsay Tate is in her 20s and comes to us from Youth Business USA - Oakland's Emerging 100. In addition to this, 90% of the class is comprised of women, many of which are determined to face old and new challenges head-on, and are restarting their businesses.
This class of entrepreneurs is also working in collaboration with a very diverse cohort of students enrolled in our MBA Advisor Program, where we currently have seven nationalities represented: Brazil, Austria, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Turkey and the United States! Now please, meet the businesses in our Spring 2017 Entrepreneur Readiness Program:
ALICIA JENSEN
BIJOU ORGANICS | OAKLAND
A company dedicated to holistic wellbeing through medicinal herbs in teas, moisturizers, aromatherapy salves, salts, and body scrubs.
JASMINE HARRIS
NEW SUPPLEMENT | MENLO PARK
Jasmine is a trusted resource for natural remedies in her community, and now, the creator of a new hangover supplement!
MARIE LEVIN
MOMM'S PASTRIES | OAKLAND
Marie is an experienced baker, ready to launch her artisan organic and gluten-free bakery and feed the community from within.
KARLA ROSALES-BARRIOS
PASS THE SAUCED | PIEDMONT
A micro-business producing handcrafted salsas and prepared cooking sauces with a Latino flair. Pass the Sauced is all about sharing well made tasty food with other like-minded makers.
MICHELLE CHANDRA
DIRT ALLEY DESIGN | SF
At Dirt Alley Design, I turn city street grids into solvable puzzle mazes and sell the designs as handmade art prints. I am interested in developing a line of products that combine cartography, data, and art into unique, interactive home decor.
LIZA SMITH
LIZA FENDI BEAUTY | STOCKTON
On-the-go professional hairstyling, makeup and manicure service. Book online and indulge on your birthday or anniversary.
LINDSAY TATE
BROWN SUGAR BAKING | OAKLAND
A baking business providing baked goods made in small batches to ensure the highest level of quality and taste.
DEE DOMINGUEZ
COUNTRY FRESH | OAKLAND
County Fresh is a café featuring grab-n-go items for those with little time, and fresh baked desserts for the rest!
JAVAN WILSON
ANTIQUITY JUICES | OAKLAND
A cold-press juice delivery service, also offering salads and smoothie bowls. We specialize in capturing the unique taste of ingredients, and making quality products easy to acquire.
ACACIA WOODSCHAN
ETHNIC TIES | OAKLAND
Ethnic Ties supports intercultural communication for interconnected groups through language development, travel services and intercultural consulting. We provide customized services for individuals and organizations, through digital classes, workshops and trainings.
DO YOU HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS TOO?
If you too have a small business in the Bay Area, and would like to make it bigger and better, check out the requirements for Centro's Entrepreneurship Readiness program. You might be eligible to take part on our next session.
CAN'T JOIN AN IN-PERSON PROGRAM?
Download the Centro's Business Planning App to re-structure your business plan right on your phone. No experience or special skills required.