Begoña Calderón Lozano, originally from Cádiz, Spain, graduated in Journalism from the University of Seville just two months ago and also embarked on a course called MasterClass at the School of Reporters of Andalusia in Seville. When she’s not immersed in the world of news, she shows her passion for volleyball and fashion and even takes thrilling motorcycle rides through the Sierra de Cádiz with her father. She’s no stranger to adrenaline, having parachuted from an airplane at an astounding 4,600 meters high. Her journey to EGBI in Austin began as a result of an online volunteer search, and since then, she has been enjoying the satisfaction of helping others while expanding her professional and personal horizons. The most exciting experience for her so far has been recording a podcast, something she will surely remember forever.
Share a fun fact with us:
A fun fact about me is that I enjoy extreme sports. A year ago, I parachuted from an airplane at 4,600 meters high. I also consider myself a very adventurous person, always eager to explore new things.
How did you first get involved with EGBI? I’ve only been in Austin for 2 months, and I found EGBI on a volunteer website. My first contact with EGBI was at an event, and I felt so comfortable that I didn’t hesitate to help them for these 2 months.
Why are you a volunteer for EGBI? Helping people is a very satisfying feeling. It’s a way to make yourself happy because you’re helping others, and others are helping you. You grow as a person and create a unique experience. I’ve met wonderful people.
How has your collaboration with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally? I couldn’t have chosen a better volunteer opportunity with EGBI. In terms of professional growth, I’ve been doing translations and writing for the blog, which has helped me learn new vocabulary in English. I’ve had the opportunity to host the La Incubadora Podcast and conduct interviews in both Spanish and English. Personally, I’ve been able to grow as a person, face new situations, and that has made me mature in other ways.
What was the most rewarding experience you had while working as a volunteer at EGBI? The opportunity to record the podcast has been the most fulfilling experience. I am immensely grateful to EGBI for having me and giving me this opportunity that I will never forget. I couldn’t be happier with this experience.
Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI? Being a volunteer for EGBI is a way to help others. You grow as a person, and it’s beautiful to see how EGBI gets involved with you to make you feel comfortable. I thank them for everything; they are wonderful people, and in no time, they made me feel at home.
Larry D. Williams is the Community Liaison for the HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) of the Purchasing Department of Travis County. Travis County and its HUB department are award-winning organizations within the government purchasing arena. He received his BA from Arizona State in Mass Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Public Policy and Public Service. Larry prides himself in bringing professionalism, innovation, and equity to the forefront of every position he has been involved in. Larry has focused his entire career on expanding nonprofits’ and governmental agencies’ community-level work to enhance their effectiveness with their most important stakeholders. It is his passion for seeing professionals and community organizations break through their boundaries and expand their effectiveness in their given communities.
–Larry shares his experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
–Share a fun fact with us.
A fun fact about me is that I am new to Central Texas. I have an ever-growing list on my phone of great and unique places on my phone that I have experienced since I moved here.
“It became more desirable for me to be a small part of seeing that mission available to the community” – Larry D.Williams
-How did you first get involved with EGBI?
When I was hired as the Community Liaison for the Travis County Purchasing HUB program I went through the HUB Resource Guide and connected with external stakeholders listed there. EGBI was one of those organizations.
-Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
I was first impressed by the professionalism of the staff. As I became more aware of the mission and vision of EGBI it became more desirable for me to be a small part of seeing that mission available to the community.
-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
My time volunteering with EGBI introduced me to the entrepreneurial climate of Austin and Travis County. Being involved with EGBI also made me that much more excited to enhance this community by improving the access that Historically Underutilized Businesses have to the Purchasing process of Travis County.
– What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?
Being able to share the HUB process of not only Travis County but also the other governmental agencies in the area.
– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?
I believe others will find a passion for the entrepreneurial climate of the City of Austin and Travis County and its importance in our community.
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/.
Born in Venezuela, Maria holds a bachelor’s in architecture and a marketing certificate. As a new degree holder, she had the opportunity to work in trade shows’ booth design and production, translating into more than ten years of work in the field of trade shows and corporate image. Later, she moved to the United States and worked in higher education administration spearheading the student services department in a private university. For more than a decade she worked developing student services procedures and training with a particular concentration on students’ non-academic matters assistance, regulations compliance, campus safety, handbook revision and update, student onboarding, and major university events.
Her responsibilities as a student services administrator also provided her with an open door for community service, getting involved in organizing fundraising and awareness events to support national and local organizations, overseeing, and advising students’ clubs and associations, and mentoring the Student Government Association.
Her volunteer work led her to act as a mentor for a non-profit organization, Youth and Democracy in the Americas. Being its Mission to raise awareness regarding the situation of democracy in Latin America, it successfully progressed attaining the support of the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro, several US Senators and Representatives, national and foreign student organizations, and various other non-profit organizations.
More recently, Maria has been involved in e-commerce and logistics having among her duties the translation and interpretation of meetings, training, and documents for limited English proficient team members. In her spare time, she volunteers as an assistant instructor for an early literacy for adults’ program, and as an English-Spanish translator and interpreter for non-profit organizations.
–Maria shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
–Share a fun fact with us.
I love to swim in cold waters but not on the beach or rivers. I prefer to swim by jumping off of a boat, in the clear shallow blue waters of the open sea.
“It is an exciting opportunity to learn about EGBI’s work and mission” – Maria Hoffman
-How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I was looking for opportunities to volunteer and got involved with EGBI through Volunteer Match.
-Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
It’s an opportunity that allows me to give back to the community. On the other hand, I have the chance to put into practice my translation skills, which is something I highly enjoy.
-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
Professionally I believe it is an exciting opportunity to learn about EGBI’s work and mission. Personally, EGBI provides me with the rewarding feeling of being of help for a good cause.
– What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?
I’m new to EGBI, yet I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate to spread the voice about the resources available for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?
Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed is very important, and volunteering with EGBI increases the opportunities to accomplish that goal.
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/.
Are you starting your own business? Do you want to know if anyone around you is too?
Alignable is an online network that connects small business owners. It is a US-based company that went public in 2014. Now, it has more than 7 million members.
Imagine a LinkedIn but specifically, for micro and small business owners.
Here is what Alignable can help you with:
Make connections with other business owners
Alignable is meant to act as an “ice breaker” for this community by helping you make connections, post about your business, and refer others. You can announce new events or product lines to all your contacts at once.
You can also create and join groups to connect with other business owners that have similar interests. When you first join, Alignable adds you to a community that includes the businesses in your general area.
This makes it easy for other owners in your area to seek out your business and vice versa. Once you establish a connection with each other, you can continue it through Alignable.
Contribute to your local community
Alignable is great to get you in contact with business owners in your local community.
It spans about 5 to 10 towns in your area and you can personalize your connections by specifying who you want to connect with.
These might be potential customers and partners!
Here are 3 Steps to Promoting Your Business on Alignable:
Step 1: Figure out the logistics
You need your post to communicate your event or announcement clearly. What is the title of your announcement? What is the date and time of your event? Who is it for? What are you promoting?
Step 2: Create art for your post
Unique social media art is a big part of catching your audience. Make sure your message is clear and the color palette is simple. Your design should be something that you stop scrolling to take a look.
Step 3: Share your post
Below is a list of all the different functions on Alignable. You are able to click what kind of post you want to share so your potential consumers can understand your post’s purpose.
The main difference between Alignable and LinkedIn is that it’s more casual. Since it connects you from town to town, it feels close knit.
If you want to contribute to your local community and connect with other small business owners in your area, Alignable might be good for you.
Small businesses deserve the spotlight too.
See if Alignable is a good complimentary platform for you.
Jesus is a Financial Center Manager at Independent Financial, where he manages the retail side for the Austin location. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation, expanding the business of the branch and small business development.
He has been working in banking for over ten years across the state of Texas. Jesus focuses on developing deep ties in the communities he works, and helping persons reach their financial goals. He has worked on a variety of entrepreneurship programs and financial literacy classes, delivering them in person and virtual platforms.
–Jesus shares his experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
–Share a fun fact with us.
I occasionally write short stories, and give them out to my friends. Nothing major, but I enjoy writing literary fiction. Slices of life that give a glimpse of what we go through daily. They are cathartic.
“Volunteering at EGBI is a great way to help our community.” – Jesus nevarez
–How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I had just moved to the city, and I was still struggling to get acclimated. I had reached out through email to know how I could help. I had researched EGBI, and my perception was that they are a great resource to our local entrepreneurs. Monica Peña reached back, and invited me to an EGBI event. Thereafter, I asked if I could assist in some of the classes that EGBI does for entrepreneurs. Since that point, I’ve been enjoying being a volunteer for EGBI at different stages and programs.
–Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
Small business are the lifeblood of our communities, and entrepreneurship is a pathway to achieve financial security. I believe in what EGBI does, and the persons that run the organization truly have their hearts in it. I like to help persons get better, and some of the entrepreneurs and small business owners that attend EGBI just need a hand to reach the next level. I work at Independent Financial, where we try to build healthy communities. They have supported me in this endeavor.
-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
Professionally it has allowed to me see what the small business community needs in Austin. Understand their concerns and their aspirations. It has connected me with other persons across the city that are also looking to assist our entrepreneur community. Personally, well, just meeting new persons. Moving to a new city, with no family or professional network can be difficult. I’ve met so many persons in the classes, and accelerated my knowledge of the city and its resources.
–What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?
There was a presentation in the last quarter of 2022. They were presenting the persons that had graduated from the program. Hearing all those stories of success, allowed me to see the tremendous impact that EGBI has in our city.
– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?
Volunteering at EGBI is a great way to help our community. EGBI has a develop great systems to understand entrepreneurs at different levels of their business journey. They are in the business of helping people get better, that is something that we could all do.
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/.
I am from Ecuador and am presently pursuing a career in business administration. However, my actual love is marketing, which I am very passionate about. Originally, I planned to become a Biotechnology engineer, but I am glad that I discovered my true calling in marketing and business. Despite this change, I still have an intense interest for the realm of science.
My dream is to work on effective marketing strategies that are closely related to corporate sustainability. In my spare time, I like to go hiking and weightlifting. I also enjoy experimenting with new recipes that I see on Instagram; the more challenging, the better.
Giuliana shares her experience as an EGBI volunteer.
–Share a fun fact with us.
I love creating scrapbooks with doodles and paintings, even though I’m not particularly skilled at drawing or painting. I challenge myself to improve, and occasionally, I plan out how I want it to look and then trace it from my phone. Additionally, I take pleasure in gathering mementos from outings and dates, such as tickets and tiny flowers, and incorporating them into my scrapbook.
“If you can do something for others, life brings that positivity back to you” giuliana karolina Noboa castañeda
-How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I was searching for volunteer programs near me, and EGBI looks like a promising opportunity to assist business owners. I truly appreciate their focus on the Hispanic community and the attention they give to language. This was especially meaningful to me, as I am aware of the challenges that new business owners face when they don’t speak English fluently or feel more comfortable with Spanish. Translating is a perfect way for me to contribute and provide help.
-Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
That question takes my mind back to that phrase that goes: “Nadie puede hacerlo todo, pero todos podemos hacer algo.” (Meaning: “Although no one can accomplish everything, each of us can contribute in our own way.”)
Being part of the solution and offering relief to others are fundamental aspects of community involvement. I believe EGBI offers a volunteering opportunity that helps maintain the connection between fellowship and knowledge management, as it enables people to learn from others and share their own experiences.
-How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
Engaging in translations keeps me attuned to the demands of business owners, utilizing language that can influence rephrasing while retaining the essence to create the impactful meaning present in all the blogs. This has been a valuable learning experience. On the other hand, I have also been involved in marketing efforts recently. Observing the sharing of resources and knowledge, and exploring ways to contribute with creativity and innovation, has been a significant enrichment for me.
– What was the most rewarding experience you had while volunteering for EGBI?
Translating the interns’ blogs allows me to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness of fresh minds to contribute. The proactive approach evident in every word is truly invigorating.
– Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?
If you can do something for others, life brings that positivity back to you. At EGBI, you have a wonderful reciprocal opportunity, surrounded by the perfect environment, tools, and people who are equally willing to support you.
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/.
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.
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/.
El control efectivo de costes es esencial para mantener la rentabilidad y la ventaja competitiva de tu empresa. Al identificar y reducir los gastos innecesarios al mismo tiempo que se optimizan los procesos operativos, las empresas pueden liberar todo su potencial y lograr éxito financiero a largo plazo. En este blog, explicaremos las estrategias prácticas de control de costes para ayudarte a optimizar las operaciones, a negociar mejores acuerdos con los proveedores e implementar las medidas de ahorro de costes.
1.Realizar un Análisis Exhaustivo de Costes
El primer paso para un control efectivo de costes es entender a dónde se va tu dinero. Realiza un análisis riguroso de costes para identificar todos los gastos, tanto los principales como los secundarios. Después, categoriza estos gastos y evalúa su importancia en relación con las operaciones generales de tu empresa. A menudo, los gastos aparentemente insignificantes pueden acumularse con el tiempo, impactando tus resultados.
2.Optimizar los Procesos Operacionales
Los procesos operacionales ineficaces pueden llevarte a pérdidas de tiempo, de recursos y de dinero. Examina muy de cerca tu flujo de trabajo e identifica los embotellamientos o las tareas redundantes que obstruyen la productividad. Considera implementar procesos automatizados y adoptar soluciones tecnológicas para optimizar las operaciones.
3. Adoptar Prácticas Sostenibles
La sostenibilidad no solo beneficia al medio ambiente sino que también puede ser rentable a largo plazo. Considera adoptar prácticas ecológicas que reducen los residuos y el consumo de energía. Esto puede incluir iniciativas de reciclaje, iluminación de eficiencia energética o usar empaques de materiales sostenibles. Estos esfuerzos no solo bajarán los costes, pero también realzarán tu marca de imagen y atraerán clientes conscientes con el medio ambiente.
4. Analizar la Gestión del Inventario
El exceso de inventario inmoviliza el capital e incrementa los costes de almacenamiento, mientras que el inventario insuficiente te puede llevar a perder oportunidades de ventas y a realizar pedidos urgentes. Realiza un análisis exhaustivo del inventario para encontrar el balance adecuado. Utiliza un software de gestión de inventario para llevar un control y seguimiento de los niveles de existencias, prever la demanda y optimizar los procesos de pedidos.
5. Fomentar una Cultura Consciente de los Costes
Fomentar una cultura consciente de los costes entre tus empleados es vital para el control sostenible de costes. Educa a tu equipo sobre la importancia de la responsabilidad financiera e involucralo en identificar oportunidades de ahorro de costes. Implementando programas de premios para ideas de ahorros de costes que sean implementadas exitosamente. Cuando todos en la organización están comprometidos con el control de costes, éste se convierte en una parte integral del ADN de tu empresa.
El control eficaz de costes es un proceso continuo que requiere vigilancia, adaptabilidad y un ojo para la mejora. Al realizar un análisis exhaustivo de costes, optimizar los procesos operativos, negociar con los proveedores, adoptar la sostenibilidad, analizar la gestión del inventario y fomentar una cultura consciente de costes, tu empresa puede maximizar la eficiencia y minimizar los gastos. Las pequeñas medidas de ahorro de costes pueden acumularse con el tiempo y tener un impacto significativo en la salud financiera de tu empresa. Adopta un enfoque proactivo para el control de costes y posicionarás a tu empresa para un crecimiento sostenible y en el éxito frente a la dinámica del mercado en constante cambio.
Traducido al español por Daniela Ariza-Hernandez. Para leer el artículo en inglés, haga clic aquí.
Los acontecimientos imprevistos pueden golpear en cualquier momento, poniendo en riesgo incluso a las empresas más exitosas. Ya se trate de una recesión económica mundial, un desastre natural o un cambio repentino en las condiciones del mercado, las emergencias financieras pueden dejar vulnerable a una empresa si no está adecuadamente preparada. Por lo tanto, es crucial que las empresas tengan un plan de contingencia financiera bien pensado, mantengan un fondo de emergencia y adquieran un seguro empresarial adecuado para garantizar su estabilidad y resistencia a largo plazo frente a la adversidad.
1. La importancia de un plan de contingencia financiera
Un plan de contingencia financiera es una estrategia detallada que describe cómo responderá una empresa a diversas crisis y retos financieros. Este plan debe ser exhaustivo y abarcar riesgos potenciales, previsiones de tesorería, medidas de reducción de costes y fuentes de ingresos alternativas. Al contar con un plan de contingencia bien elaborado, las empresas pueden adaptarse rápidamente a las circunstancias cambiantes, asegurándose de sobrevivir y recuperarse de perturbaciones inesperadas.
2. Mantener un fondo de emergencia
Al igual que los particulares deben tener un fondo de emergencia para cubrir sus gastos personales en tiempos difíciles, las empresas deben mantener su propia red de seguridad financiera. Un fondo de emergencia proporciona un amortiguador crucial para cubrir los costes operativos, los salarios y otros gastos esenciales cuando se interrumpen los flujos de ingresos. Una regla general es reservar entre tres y seis meses de gastos operativos. Este fondo puede mantenerse en una cuenta separada y tratarse como un último recurso al que recurrir sólo en caso de auténticas emergencias financieras.
3. Adquirir un seguro de empresa
El seguro es un pilar fundamental de la preparación financiera de cualquier empresa. Aunque algunos riesgos pueden mitigarse mediante una planificación proactiva, hay ciertos acontecimientos que escapan al control de una empresa. Los seguros de empresa proporcionan protección contra las pérdidas derivadas de acontecimientos imprevistos, como daños a la propiedad, reclamaciones por responsabilidad civil e interrupciones de la actividad. Algunos ejemplos comunes de seguros son el seguro de responsabilidad civil general, el seguro de propiedad, la indemnización de los trabajadores y el seguro de interrupción de la actividad empresarial. Al transferir algunos de los riesgos financieros a los proveedores de seguros, las empresas pueden protegerse de golpes financieros devastadores que, de otro modo, podrían conducir al cierre. Asegúrese de consultar a un profesional de seguros para discutir los detalles.
Al dar prioridad a estos tres elementos, las empresas pueden asegurarse de que están bien preparadas para afrontar cualquier reto financiero que se les presente. Invertir tiempo y recursos en crear resistencia financiera no sólo protegerá el futuro de la empresa, sino que también infundirá confianza entre empleados, inversores y clientes. Recuerde, es mejor estar preparado para lo peor mientras se lucha por lo mejor.
Traducido al español por Eleanor Menchú Melgar. Para leer el artículo en inglés, haga clic aquí.
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.
