Meet EGBI Client – Patricia Correa

By Josephine Sun

Born in Mexico and raised in Escondido, California, Patricia Correa eventually moved to Texas and has lived there for 27 years. She has owned her welding business, Cornerstone Welding, for 15 years. She has always had a entrepreneur spirit – after owning several businesses in the past like a food truck, bridal store, wedding planner/decor and even e-commerce, her welding business has been her number one priority. Patricia is married to her husband, Juan Correa, and currently run the business together. She is the mother of 6 (2 boys and 4 girls). As a family, they not only work for our family business, but also have a passion for serving in God’s ministry. Together they lead a church group in Bastrop TX. Patricia says that her purpose is helping anywhere she can be of service.

Patricia shares her experience as a client at EGBI.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

My story as an immigrant was issued in a book called “The Truth in our Stories”. 

“The business knowledge EGBI provided helped me build a better structured business.” Patricia Correa

Tell us about your business.

My business offers mobile welding services. We have a shop in Bastrop where we fabricate and do custom work from fencing, railing, to structural steel. 

Website https://www.bastropweldingcompany.com/

How did you first find out about EGBI?

I found out about EGBi through a friend who is also a EGBI client.

How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?

I took all the business courses. My business was lacking the fundamentals of business management. The business knowledge EGBI provided helped me build a better structured business. It helped me understand financial accounting and EGBI also helped me set up my own Quickbooks account. I  learned about business entities which led me to create the best one for my business. This has helped me with lowering taxes. 

Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?

They are very informative and the instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. They cared for my unique needs and concerns, and helped me develop the skills necessary to be even more successful. My biggest victory is an increase of 40% gross revenue and my profit margins went up at the same level. The business coaching workshops have been incredibly valuable in helping me grow as a business woman managing my business and also helped bridge my knowledge deficit. I highly recommend EGBI to any small business owner.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.

Effective Cost Control Strategies for your Business: Maximizing Efficiency and Minimizing Expenses

By Neel Kakkad 

Effective cost control is essential for maintaining profitability and staying ahead of the curve for your business. By identifying and reducing unnecessary expenses while optimizing operational processes, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve long-term financial success. In this blog, we will explore practical cost control strategies to help you streamline operations, negotiate better vendor deals, and implement cost-saving measures.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Cost Analysis

The first step in effective cost control is understanding where your money is going. Conduct a thorough cost analysis to identify all expenses, both major and minor. Then, categorize these expenses and assess their significance in relation to your overall business operations. Often, seemingly insignificant costs can add up over time, impacting your bottom line

2. Optimize Operational Processes

Inefficient operational processes can lead to wastage of time, resources, and money. Look closely at your workflow and identify bottlenecks or redundant tasks that hinder productivity. Consider implementing process automation and adopting technology solutions to streamline operations. 

3. Embrace Sustainable Practices

Sustainability not only benefits the environment but can also be cost-effective in the long run. Consider adopting eco-friendly practices that reduce waste and energy consumption. This may include recycling initiatives, energy-efficient lighting, or using sustainable packaging materials. Not only will these efforts lower costs, but they can also enhance your brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers.

4. Analyze Inventory Management

Excessive inventory ties up capital and increases storage costs, while insufficient inventory can lead to missed sales opportunities and rush orders. Conduct a comprehensive inventory analysis to strike the right balance. Utilize inventory management software to track stock levels, forecast demand, and optimize ordering processes.

5. Encourage Cost-Conscious Culture

Fostering a cost-conscious culture among your employees is vital for sustainable cost control. Educate your team about the importance of financial responsibility and involve them in identifying cost-saving opportunities. Implement reward programs for cost-saving ideas that are successfully implemented. When everyone in the organization is committed to cost control, it becomes an integral part of your business’s DNA.

Effective cost control is a continuous process that requires vigilance, adaptability, and an eye for improvement. By conducting comprehensive cost analysis, optimizing operational processes, negotiating with vendors, embracing sustainability, analyzing inventory management, and encouraging a cost-conscious culture, your business can maximize efficiency and minimize expenses. Small cost-saving measures can add up over time and have a significant impact on your business’s financial health. Embrace a proactive approach to cost control, and you’ll position your business for sustainable growth and success in the face of ever-changing market dynamics.

Meet EGBI intern – Scarlett Dupre 

By Ava Dasari 

Scarlett Dupre is an energetic, passionate and highly motivated person. She interns for EGBI and one other company training and helping with marketing and graphic design. Dancing since the age of 2 has led her to where she is now. She is on a competitive dance team training 18-20 hours a week and competing in several styles of dance. In her free time she likes to do art projects, paint, cuddle with her cat and spend time with family and friends. 

Share a fun fact with us.

I recently completed my open water scuba diving certification!! 

How did you first get involved with EGBI?

Through a mutual business acquaintance.

Why do you intern for EGBI?

The experience, getting to help businesses grow and thrive, and most of all, I enjoy it!

How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Professionally it has helped me with: Market research, presentation, and customer relations.

Personally it has helped me with: Improving leadership qualities, research capabilities, and growth in business economics.

Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.

Meet EGBI Client – Brooklyn King

By Josephine Sun

Brooklyn King is a licensed esthetician based in South Austin and is the owner of Brooklyn’s Beauty Bar. Brooklyn’s Beauty Bar is an all inclusive spa that provides customized facials, chemical peels, and full body waxing located in South Austin, Texas. Each service is performed by Brooklyn King, who has experience working with many types of skin conditions and skin types before opening her own establishment. Brooklyn’s passion is to educate clients on how to maintain healthy skin, even outside of the treatment room. Brooklyn’s Beauty Bar provides pharmaceutical grade skin care with active ingredients to clients, so they can achieve the best results in their daily regimen. Brooklyn’s Beauty Bar is the perfect place for anyone looking to get that healthy glowing skin and to see real life changing results.

Brooklyn shares her experience as a client at EGBI.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

My favorite color is pink.

“EGBI has helped a lot with my business. things I never really put too much thought into, including networking, marketing, and financial support.” Brooklyn King

How did you first find out about EGBI?

I found out about EGBI in 2021 from word of mouth since at the time I was just starting my business.

How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?

EGBI has helped a lot with my business things I never really put too much thought into, including networking, marketing, and financial support. I recently enrolled into the 90 days to success and am a month in, and it has been so helpful!

Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?

Especially for new business owners, I definitely think EGBI is a great resource to take advantage of. There are professional that have been in the business and can point you in the right direction as far as where you want to your business to be in the future. Setting those goals and achieving those goals are important. EGBI makes sure you hold yourself accountable and learn from others.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.

Meet EGBI Client – Liliana Bueno Mendez

Liliana Bueno Mendez, who goes by Lily, was born in San Luis Potosi and raised in Austin, Texas. She is the owner of Empoderadas Gym in South Austin, an all-women gym that aims to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and make them feel safe. In addition to spending time with her family, Lily enjoys being outdoors even in the Texas heat, trying different foods, and watching Korean dramas.

Liliana shares her experience as a client with EGBI.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about myself is that I am obsessed with Korean food.

“EGBI supported and guided me through everything since this is my first business.” Liliana Bueno Mendez

Tell us about your business. 

Empoderadas Gym is a safe space for all women of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels at the gym. At Empoderadas gym women feel safe to wear whatever they want. They feel safe to try a workout and fail at it without being judged. They feel safe to be women at the gym. Not only do they feel safe, but I also feel safe here.

How did you first find out about EGBI?

I found out about EGBI from an ex employer. She has had much help from them with her business. 

How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?

EGBI helped me so much with organizing and scheduling my marketing posts since I didn’t know when to post and how often before. EGBI helped me find tools that would make it easier for me to just post with one click. 

Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?

As a small business owner who does not have any employees at the moment, I am doing everything myself. EGBI supported and guided me through everything since this is my first business; it is quite scary and EGBI made it easier. They supported me and I will support them and that’s why people should consider supporting an incredible organization like EGBI.

EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.