Holiday lifts spirits HOPE Center Oakland graduation ceremony
In the spirit of the Christmas season inside the warm and festive holiday décor of Bank of the West, Operation HOPE graduated a group of twenty new entrepreneurs from the twelve-week Small Business Empowerment program on a rainy winter evening in the East Bay. On this evening, the group of attendees and supporters listened attentively while each participant gave an overview on their start-up business idea on the last day of class in December.
Participants spoke about their businesses: some with nervous anticipation while others spoke firm with confidence. Touching upon the highlights of their businesses they made compelling points “what gives them a competitive advantage and what is the unique selling proposition.”
Guests were greeted with smiling hostesses Lisa Harris, the mortgage counselor who decorated the food table which included a variety of special prepared dishes: shrimp and pasta, Middle-Eastern style prepared chicken made by the graduates and homemade baked cupcakes courtesy Emily Perris, Manager of HOPE program Banking On Our Future. Anna Haber, entrepreneur program graduate contributed Bird’s Nest Soup, a $100 meal in most Chinese Restaurants, which was also part of her presentation on her business Far East Imports.
Business Development Officer Sonja Brooks, who manages the small business technical assistant program, is also the instructor of the graduating group. As the moderator for the evening, she cordially introduced each member of the Oakland HOPE team then transitioned into a warm introduction for the honored key note speaker of the evening; Ms. Viek, CEO of the California Association of Micro Enterprise Opportunities also known as CAMEO. CAMEO is a network of 80 nonprofit groups serving 25,000 businesses in the past year in training, technical assistance and loans. Ms. Viek is an experienced entrepreneur with over twenty-five years of experience in microenterprise and community development. She served as President of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center for fourteen years and also owned and operated her own consulting practice. The former board member and past president NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) San Francisco Bay Area chapter personally introduced herself to each individual graduate before giving her speech in which she emphasized the importance of gaining experience and mentorship from other business owners. In light of such trying economic times, she encouraged optimism and preparation. “You cannot be too prepared when you are starting out. Take advantage of the supporting programs and counseling offered and be sure to make contacts with a business owner who can give you advice.”
Ms. Grady Nobles, an attendee gave an insightful testimony before the guest. “I have enjoyed the class tremendously. Ms. Brooks is wonderful. I learned so much; in fact I learned something from everyone in the class. This program is so important for our community and I am happy that something like this exists,” quoted Ms. Nobles.
The center was filled with warmth and support. “Although it may be raining out, we are so honored to have Ms. Viek take time to visit us and to speak to our class of entrepreneurs on this wet evening,” commented Ms. Brooks. “It is so important that people starting up businesses are made aware of the resources and hear from not only other entrepreneurs, but from someone who personally understands the importance of advocacy and support. We are pleased to be in partnership with CAMEO.” Tonight, there will be no raining on this parade!
Tags: Bank of the West
