by Shane Fell | Nov 29, 2018
“Enrolling in the WWBIC Start Smart series was a very important step in developing my business goals and objectives. Thank goodness for WWBIC!”
Elizabeth Handle decided to launch her business, Milwaukee Kayak Company, to introduce people to the sport of paddling on Milwaukee’s unique waterways while providing a healthy, fun, and safe recreational opportunity for the community.
While preparing to open her business, Elizabeth attended WWBIC’s Start Smart Business Planning Series and received one-on-one assistance. This helped her make specific business decisions, learn about marketing and financial planning, and create a business plan! Milwaukee Kayak Company opened in June 2013, creating one full-time job. Within the next year, Elizabeth plans to double the size of her fleet and hire two additional employees.
Milwaukee Kayak Company
318 South Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-301-2240
milwaukeekayak.com
by Shane Fell | Nov 29, 2018
“I want to change my own cycle of poverty by becoming a doctor, and I really want to represent the underprivileged in the field of medicine. The IDA program has made pursuing my dream a reality.”
Amada Morales successfully completed WWBIC’s Make Your Money Talk financial awareness series in May, 2012. She subsequently opened an Individual Development Account (IDA) with a goal of using her savings and the matching funds toward education – specifically, eight natural science courses which would qualify her by 2014 for entry into the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana, Cuba.
The IDA has helped her pay for tuition, textbooks and other supplies needed to complete the courses.
by Shane Fell | Nov 29, 2018
“WWBIC helped us build confidence in our ideas. Attending the Small Biz Planning Series was critical in our business development. The series helped us put our ideas on paper and gave us a great support system. It was a fantastic way to network and to present our business idea to others. The course and WWBIC helped us to take our dream and make it a reality!”
In 2013, Leslie and Victor Olano decided to do something they were passionate about and control their own destiny. Utilizing Victor’s background in the culinary world, they wanted to introduce a different cuisine to Southeast Wisconsin.
The couple took WWBIC’s 10-week Small Biz Planning Series, where they wrote their business plan and networked with other entrepreneurs. They opened Olano’s Empanadas, a catering business specializing in Peruvian baked empanadas, in November 2013. Leslie and Victor rent a kitchen in the incubator at HALO (Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization) with a long-term goal of a cafe or food truck.
Olano’s Empanadas
Racine, WI
Call for delivery or catering
262-308-3495
https://www.facebook.com/olanosempanadas
by Shane Fell | Nov 29, 2018
“I’m so thankful to have found WWBIC. You allow us to dream big and make your dreams come true. Thank you for believing in my vision, my dream.”
Adelaida Alvarez loves to work with people and was always very interested in the beauty industry. She decided to follow this passion and open her own nail salon. At first, Adelaida didn’t know where to start. Eventually she approached WWBIC, which she calls her “light at the end of the tunnel.” WWBIC gave her a loan to help start her business and continues to provide business technical assistance.
Coquettish Nail Salon opened in 2013 and has created three new jobs. Adelaida hopes to create 10 to 15 more jobs within two years, expanding her business and giving back to the community.
Coquettish Nail Salon
4518 W Forest Home Ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53219
414-795-7568
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coquettish-Nail-Salon/178120609002312
by Shane Fell | Nov 28, 2018
“Our family is very appreciate and grateful to have the opportunity to use the assistance of WWBIC and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. Thanks to everyone who makes these programs effective and available to those in need, like myself.”
Chakoia and Gregory were both residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee until recently when they moved into their first home! After graduating from WWBIC’s Make Your Money Talk financial awareness empowerment series, they each opened an Individual Development Account (IDA), combined their savings and match dollars, and together reached their goal of becoming first-time homeowners!
WWBIC’s financial awareness programming has allowed the Hardin’s and more than 150 other lower-income individuals build assets – including first-time homeownership, starting or expanding a small business, or returning to school for post-secondary education.
