Self employment program holds first graduation in Hayward -- 

Women’s Initiative, the largest micro-enterprise training and funding organization in the country, recently hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate its first class in Hayward. Twenty-two low-income women participated in the 11-week business training course and graduated with a business plan to launch their businesses in the Hayward area.

“While Women’s Initiative has been helping Bay Area women launch businesses

for more than 20 years, this is the first class in Hayward,” said Karuna Jaggar, Executive Director, Women’s Initiative in the East Bay.

Julie McKillop, local business owner and President of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, and Elena Miramar, publisher of Visión Hispana Newspaper, were among the speakers congratulating the women and inspiring them for success.

Through training provided in English or Spanish, women conquer their fears of success, complete a business plan, learn technology, how to access capital, and meet influential and experienced business people who can help them succeed. Average income more than doubles four years after participation in the Women’s Initiative program and 71% of business owners are making steady sales five years after graduating from the program.

The women who go through the Women’s Initiative training not only launch businesses and become financially self-sufficient, they also create jobs and stimulate the local economy. Analysis of results finds that for every $1 invested in the training programs, $30 is generated in the local economy, through increased annual earnings, new jobs created, savings from public benefits, and tax revenue. Women’s Initiative clients’ income grows an average of $900 a month, from $1,185/month to $2,079/month, one year after graduation, and average income more than doubles four years after training.

The 11-week training course is designed especially for low-income Latinas who have a dream of owning their own business and becoming financially self-sufficient.

To qualify for the class, women must be lower-income (annual household income of no more than $39,600 for a single-person household). For more information about the Simple Steps business training class in Hayward call 510-287-3114.