More and more of the LatinX communities are finding new paths for income generation through entrepreneurship. The recovery of the national economy requires strengthening the role of small businesses. Small businesses employ millions of American workers, generate revenue and are the lifeblood of our revitalization of local communities. In March, the State of California awarded BACR $400,000 from the SEED (Supporting Entrepreneurs for Environment and Development) grant. SEED provides micro-grants and entrepreneurial training to immigrants who are social entrepreneurs to support them in starting a small business aimed at addressing a social problem and/or meeting a community need.
The BACR Entrepreneurship Training Program does just that. It was designed to support undocumented immigrant young adults who are new to entrepreneurship to gain financial independence by providing business development training, technical services, and incubation support to a cohort of undocumented immigrants residing in San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties. Participants who complete their business plans and engage in program events will be eligible to apply for a micro-grant an average of $5,000 to launch or accelerate their business. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.
BACR is pleased to share that since the launch of the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development Grant SEED they have successfully funded 27 entrepreneurs in total of $150,000.
The stories of the project participants are inspiring and reflect their entrepreneurial drive.
Deyci Carillo-Lopez
Deyci is a poet based out of Oakland, California who was funded this past year to fulfill her dream of writing her poetry book. She has finally realized that dream and her book will be ready for sale in July. Deyci has worked with her community to create the book cover for her poetry book and wants to give back to the community that helped bring her up. Deyci was also selected to be the opening act for world-wide renowned poet Rupi Kaur at their Oakland show in June. We are so excited for Deyci and can't wait to read more of her powerful stories.
Jose Alberto Perez
Jose Alberto came to us with an idea already in mind and has really flourished with the micro-grant selection. He has his own fresh-pressed juice business and aims to promote healthy living in the San Francisco area. With healthy options being scarce, Jose Alberto aims to give his community a healthy and tasty option. He has been very successful in various pop-ups throughout the city and has been featured on the local news. You can follow him on Instagram @organicfriscodrip
Claudia Garcia
Claudia was part of our third cohort where she makes and sells Mexican artisanal jewelry. She has used her whole micro-grant of $7,500 in under six months. She has participated in many pop-ups that we have organized as well as many local pop-ups. She has done so well that Claudia has expanded her business to selling personal security alarm kits, targeted to women around the Bay Area.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must identify with at least one of the following:
Identify as LatinX, english proficiency is not a factor;
Non U.S. citizens
Individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U-Visa, etc.
Individuals 18-30 years of age
Residents of Alameda, San Francisco, and Contra Costa
The SEED Entrepreneur Training Program will commence June 30, 2022 and consists of 6 weekly 2-hour sessions We are currently recruiting for our participants for the first session. Training will be delivered virtually in English and Spanish in-person at the Mission Language and Vocational School (MLVS), 2929 19th Street SF CA 94110. To enroll in training applicants must complete our screening tool in their preferred language (Spanish, English)
To connect DM Instagram handle, @bacr_entrepreneurship or email Erik Hidalgo at ehidalgo@bacr.org