The composition of small businesses in a community reveals an important story about the culture, spirit and soul of the area. Small business is the glue, providing goods, services and jobs in the community. Through various organizations and business networks, I have enjoyed active participation in the development of Austin’s economy.
PeopleFund
PeopleFund is a Community Development Center that promotes economic vitality and opportunity in low-income communities by providing financial services and technical assistance that will create jobs, provide needed goods and services, improve the physical environment, promote diversity in entrepreneurial success and build individual and community assets. PeopleFund provides financing and comprehensive technical assistance services to businesses, community organizations and affordable housing ventures in Austin’s lower-income communities.
I first encountered PeopleFund in 1999 (known then as The Austin CDC) and have enjoyed a unique relationship as a volunteer, a provider and a client. I offered discount rates and in-kind contributions toward various campaigns. I occasionally work with PeopleFund as a resource to local entrepreneurs who need guidance with some aspect of their business. I also work through the organization with state and local community leaders and elected officials to offer my perspective of business and the economy in Austin.
PeopleFund is a great resource to network and exchange ideas and concerns with area entrepreneurs. In addition to a direct relationship with the staff and board, I have participated in many PeopleFund Programs.
PeopleTalk Speaker Series
PeopleTalk invites some of our country’s most prolific and provocative thinkers in the fields of economic opportunity, racial equity and regional development. Speakers discuss new ideas and new models for addressing the economic and social future of our region. Through this series, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Mohammad Yunus, inventor of microcredit, founder of the Grameen Bank, United Nations Foundation board member, author and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
East Austin Economic Summit
The East Austin Summit is composed of entrepreneurs, small business owners, civic and education leaders who meet to share their unique perspectives on the East Austin economy. It’s a wide sweeping initiative with participation from trade associations, chambers of commerce, commercial lenders and microlenders. The group meets to discuss changes, opportunities and obstacles ahead based on presentations, economic data analysis and focus groups. The information is tailored to encourage small business development in East Austin with the benefit of shared resources for success.
East Night Fundraiser Campaign
East Night is a critical event for raising operating capital. I have helped to plan and participated in several campaigns.
Business Investment Growth
BiG Austin is another microlending nonprofit serving local entrepreneurs. They focus on smaller start up ventures and provide extensive training through entrepreneurial courses complete with a graduation ceremony.
I’ve been a long time volunteer with BiG Austin. One of my first projects was to offer discount rates and in-kind contributions toward wed development and hosting. I have also helped with their annual fundraising campaign and awards show.
BiG Austin requested a Web Marketing module to be added to their entrepreneur curriculum. I developed the module and modified it to include advice on building and maintaining a successful small business site. I taught the module to BiG Austin classes for several years. The feedback I received helped me develop a similar program for trade associations and chambers of commerce.
Chambers of Commerce & Trade Associations
Through my company, Stream Studio Web Architects, I’ve participated in many events hosted by smaller chambers including the Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Capital City African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Homebuilders Association. I’ve presented seminars and served on public discussion manuals to help local business owners learn more about building effective web-based applications, web marketing strategies and how to better serve their customers.