We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday April 16th from 8am-2:30pm!

• Discuss your financing needs in a one-on-one consultation
• Obtain information from business resource providers & lenders
• Hear from other successful business owners
• Attend workshops conducted by panels of experts (Sources of unconventional financing & what it takes to qualify, Commercial real estate & leasing options,   Understanding procurement & contracts, Government loan & incentive options)

Expo Location:

Doubletree Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108

REGISTER TODAY online or call (619) 795-7260

Each year there are people around the world who celebrate International Women’s Day. This tradition actually had its beginnings in the early 1900’s, but March 19^th 1911 is often cited as the first International Women’s Day. This first celebration was the result of a decision made by 100 women from 17 countries at the International Conference of Working Women in 1910. Since then this event has grown in importance and impact. In some countries, it is even a national holiday!

This year on March 6^th from 2-4pm at the Great Hall, on UCSD’s campus, the event will feature local women and the organizations that support them. Each of the four sponsoring organizations provides invaluable support to the women and communities they serve. Participants at this event can meet microfinance loan recipients, learn about the benefits of microfinance and even learn how to cook some of their delicious recipes!

Check Out The Press Release

To learn more about the four event sponsors, please check out the links to their websites below:

http://womenempowerment.org

http://ihouse.ucsd.edu/

http://women.ucsd.edu/

http://ucsdepteam.webs.com/

http://unasd.org/

For even more information about International Women’s Day, check out:

http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Until next time, take care!

Edited by Daniel Valcazar II, USD Student

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa

I believe the wisdom from Mother Teresa’s quote is most strongly felt within our hearts. When we begin careers or get involved in service it is likely that we believe, doing our best is good enough. Unfortunately, in many cases shortly after our initial enthusiasm, we come face to face with the needs of the community that are beyond our ability. This realization can be both a blessing and a curse. I would contend that the difference in its impact comes from within our own mindset and attitude.

Realizing that the needs of the communities we serve are beyond our abilities can be a curse if we do not develop sufficient faith in ourselves. The realization can be a curse if we feel we have already failed. It can be a curse if it causes us to doubt our efforts and become immobilized.  However, realizing the community we serve needs more than we can offer can also be seen as a blessing.

Realizing the needs of the community are beyond our current ability is a blessing because it calls us to look beyond ourselves. This process helps us to maintain perspective and learn humility. This process reminds us that our efforts are less about being everything to everyone and more about becoming something to someone.  Progress and innovation are the result of the need to develop beyond current capacity. Teamwork and community involvement build relationships that may otherwise fail to develop.

The San Diego Microfinance Alliance and its partners are a wonderful example of this reality. One can imagine that the small group of people that came together to form the alliance realized that they needed more help to serve more people. We can all see the progress, innovation, teamwork, and community involvement that the alliance has created within the San Diego community. The alliance currently has 13 partners committed to perpetuating and sharing the benefits of microfinance. May our work together continue to challenge us to reach new levels of service, education and community development!

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

As Dr. Liu described it, “This course is a globalization course with an international component.” It is the “international component” that naturally raises eyebrows and generates interest, but this component is only the beginning. On the weekend of November 5-7, 2010, students journeyed to Mexicali to participate in various, Via International coordinated, community service-learning projects. The projects allowed students to interface with recipients of micro-enterprise loans. In addition, these microfinance projects across the border also served to deepen student learning about poverty alleviation programs. This new awareness and interaction led to the most important step, an opportunity to take action.

Following the immersion and educational experience the students were invited to contribute to the La MUVA Coalition Fund, (for more information please see: http://www.sandiego.edu/insideusd/?p=10777) affiliated with the San Diego Microfinance Alliance, to demonstrate the power of microfinance loans. This invitation was graciously accepted and the class raised enough money to provide a $250 loan to a deserving microfinance participant.

Once this donation was processed it was time to select the recipient. The recipient’s name was Evangelina Alarcon and she participates in the microfinance group that meets in Chula Vista (see Building Friendships, Building Business). She has a business selling perfume, children’s toys, and handmade crafts. She participated in the Alternative Gift Fair (see Microfinance at USD’s Alternative Gift Fair) at USD and generated over $200 in sales. This was her first microloan and it will allow her to purchase additional supplies to continue growing her business. While this act of generosity took place domestically, it clearly realizes the goal of a course like Social Change.

In closing, we would like to honor the creativity and commitment to social change demonstrated by Dr. Liu and Dr. Kelly. This additional microloan was a direct result of Dr. Liu and Dr. Kelly’s innovative curriculum.  The students not only learned about Social Change, they participated in its achievement.

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

This guidebook presents a significant contribution to the microfinance community for multiple reasons. Firstly, the guidebook is free, which is a great start. Secondly, the guidebook is available in multiple formats so individuals can select the format they find most effective. Lastly, the guidebook addresses an obstacle that remains difficult to overcome, particularly for microfinance clients, harnessing the power of technology.

Karen Mills, a SBA Administrator said, “Our goal as an agency is to get information, tools and services into the hands of small business owners more quickly so they can spend more time doing what they do best – creating the jobs that will drive our economic recovery. This new guidebook is one more tool available to support small business growth through access to information and resources.”

The following is taken directly from the SBA press release:

Business Technology Simplified is available in a printed format in SBA district offices and local SBA resource partners, or may be accessed online as an electronic publication and as an electronic distance learning course. The new online course has been created for self-paced access to practical guidance on applying technology to build and grow strong companies.

The Business Technology Simplified online course allows quick access by small business owners to learn more about basic technology tools that can help their companies run more efficiently. The course features an audio guided lesson indexed by modules that includes information on how to use technology to save time in day-to-day tasks, how to better manage a business, mobile solutions that work, and tips on expanding customer base.

To access the course, go to www.sba.gov/training, then click Business Technology Simplified in the Highlighted Courses section. It is one of nearly 30 online tutorials offered by the SBA, and is available 24/7.

Lastly, if you would prefer a copy to download you can visit Microsoft’s website at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb22851d-8195-4a46-b30c-9a57bcff0440. Good luck with this new and important tool!

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD Student

The Alternative Gift Fair is an event that supports local vendors and artisans. The event has been on campus for over 10 years. As a result, many people around campus look forward to this event and plan to buy gifts for the most difficult people on their list. The particularly exciting aspect of this year’s Alternative Gift Fair was the presence of such a large number of microfinance clients.

This year’s Alternative Gift Fair was the largest in history and included 25 separate vendors. However, the most exciting part of the story was that 11 of the 25 were involved in microfinance! The breakdown for microfinance participants was roughly five vendors from the Foundation for Women, three vendors from the International Rescue Committee, and three vendors from La Maestra.

When asked about his perspective on the event, USD Senior Lovel Tokic, said that he, “felt good about putting his money toward a good cause.” Lovel spent about $40 on various gifts for the women in his life. “It was a very good atmosphere. The people were friendly and committed to their crafts.” This sentiment seems to be consistent with the goals of the event.

Fortunately, I had a chance to check in with some of the vendors after the fair. Their responses were positive and seemed to reflect the success of their sales. There were multiple women I’d checked with that made over $200 during the event and at least one woman made over $800! Needless to say, many of them hope to return next year.

If you’re still in need of some creative and unique gifts for the holidays, many of the vendors that participated in the Alternative Gift Fair also showcase their goods at other local events. Whether you’re looking specifically for holidays or just considering future gift ideas, check out the local events section of our website. There you can find various opportunities to see the crafts and jewelry you may have missed this past week, and many more from vendors that were not able to attend.

Until next time, take care!

Written by USD student, Daniel Valcazar II

Maria Muñoz’s business is Mari’s Lingerie. She is an independent distributor of Lipoarmonia products, which are lingerie/undergarments for women and men to assist in shaping their figure. She started this business in 2009 and is also currently working to receive certification as a Natural Health Consultant this year.

She was originally a nurse in Mexico but spent much of her time raising her two children Albert and Peter, age 10 and 6. The story of support and encouragement began when she found out her younger son had autism. Naturally, she wanted to be home with him whenever he needed her. As a result, Maria did not want a normal full-time job. She realized that with Lipoarmonia she could help others with their body image and earn an income with a flexible schedule. In addition, once she obtains her certification as a Natural Health Consultant she can further serve people with healthy habits and education.

Maria participates in the microfinance group in Chula Vista that was highlighted in a previous blog post (See Building Friendships, Building Business 11/1/10). However, Maria may be unique because she has not received a microloan and doesn’t have plans to request one in the near future. “Why does she participate in the group?”, you ask. I wondered the same thing, so I asked. She said she’s received a great deal of support and encouragement from the group and that has been more than enough. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty powerful stuff.

Maria’s goal is to support her family and generate an income similar to that of a full-time job. She is confident she can achieve her goal because of her strong work ethic, communication skills and training experience. She continues to work on improving her English so she can serve more people. You might say she is paying it forward. I’d say she is a prime example of the deeper meaning and power of microfinance.

Until next time, take care!

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

The group is organized to help the women involved improve their current situation. If this seems daunting then the results are overwhelming. If you wouldn’t mind, let me take a moment to detail the course of the meeting. There are generally 10-14 women from various backgrounds at each week’s meeting. At first glance, the meeting may seem unorganized but after the initial commotion the meeting progresses steadily. The leader of the group brings the group’s attention to the various topics to be covered and then once this is completed, invites the members to respond or ask questions. This portion of the meeting provides for a unique sharing of best practices and support. Generally, after this portion is completed the members of the group are invited to formally introduce themselves and their business. During this process many of the women share a critical point from their previous week, whether positive or negative. As anyone can expect, their ability to present themselves and their business improves with each meeting. Shortly following this exchange, the leaders will close the meeting and the women will continue talking and sharing where they left off before the meeting. 

What is it about the meeting that is so special, you ask? I would argue it is the level of sincere care and support that each of the women experience with each other. The meetings are an avenue for learning new skills but I believe, more importantly, they are also a place to be uplifted. The women often share that the meeting is something they look forward to throughout the week and that they come into the meeting feeling overwhelmed and come out feeling better. It is through this process that each of the women grows in her own personal confidence and self-sufficiency, thereby allowing each of them to contribute to their community and ultimately to society as a whole. 

If you’re interested in supporting these women they are now holding a weekly showcase for their various goods and services. These will be held each Wednesday evening from 5pm-7:30pm. The location is the YES! Transition Network storefront within the Chula Vista mall. 

Until next time, take care! 

Written by Daniel Valcazar II, USD student

San Diego is home to one of the International Rescue Committee’s 22 United States resettlement offices, which together have helped 20,000 newly arrived refugees resettle upon arrival and then navigate their new environment and incorporate into the culture. The goal is to help refugees survive and thrive in the U.S.

Since 2000, IRC San Diego’s Microenterprise Program has helped to start or expand more than 150 refugee-owned small businesses through one-on-one business consulting, technical assistance and business loans up to $15,000.  Currently, the program is assisting many Iraqi refugee entrepreneurs living in El Cajon, a community that has seen more than 8,000 new refugee arrivals over the past three years – for obvious reasons.

IRC’s Microenterprise Program is housed within its Center for Financial Opportunity, a one-stop shop helping refugees with all their small business, financial and employment-related needs.

Newly arrived refugees also get help with housing, health care, nutritious food, English language classes, education for their children, social services, community support, job and computer skills, and legal services toward residency and citizenship.

In order to help refugees thrive, the staff and volunteers seek creative ways to empower those they serve as they embark along the long road of cultural acclimation.

New Roots Community Farm in University Heights is just one example of a creative solution to empower those they serve.  The brainchild of the refugees themselves, the farm provides access to healthy, organic food for the families AND the ability to produce a surplus, which can be sold for income.

The melting pot of more than 80 refugee farmers tend their gardens and their souls as they grow food and grow relationships with other refugee farmers from at least nine different countries. At the farm, they are able to share not only food from their home countries, but similar experiences and feelings, which helps with the isolation that refugees often feel.

You can learn more about IRC’s services and the many ways you can help at their San Diego website: http://www.theirc.org/us-program/us-san-diego-ca. You can also jump right in and get to know the folks who commit themselves to IRC’s goodness by meeting them on September 30. Share in the HOPE, an annual benefit for the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, will be held on Thursday September 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Fairbanks Ranch Clubhouse, 17651 Circa del Norte, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
The evening will include wine and beer tasting, international foods, music, and a reverse auction in a beautiful lakeside setting. A reverse auction is an opportunity for guests to support specific IRC programs or activities through a bidding process. Last year, they asked guests to bid on the cost of used guitars for their youth music program. Tickets are $100 per person. For more information about this event, contact Sharon Darrough by phone at 619-641-7510 x249 or by email at Sharon.Darrough@theIRC.org or visit the event website.

Article by Lara Ward, University of San Diego Alumni