Wells Fargo and the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) hosted a listening session with 10 Austin-based small business owners to highlight their testimonials of resilience and perseverance during this year’s National Small Business Week. During the celebratory event, Wells Fargo awarded EGBI with a $30,000 grant that will enable the nonprofit to continue empowering businesses, while expanding economic development in Austin’s underserved communities. In addition, each of the 10 small businesses were surprised with $1,000 grants to help aid in the success of their respective businesses. The businesses included:
Armonia – Armonia is the cultivation of Latin heritage, celebrating the connection of home and body through nurturing goods that evoke the memories and home essentials that carry stories.
Better Foundation Fitness – BFF identifies major issues that hinder fitness milestones and teaches effective workouts that build the best version of their clients including individuals overcoming injuries.
Collected Abundance Julianna Chung is a professional organizer and owner of Collected Abundance. She serves seniors, families and individuals to declutter together at home for a stress-free, more organized life. Julianna is here for you during life transitions and disaster relief, building a caring community together!
Dulce’s Cleaning Services – This company takes pride in offering exceptional cleaning services for your home and community. From residential and commercial cleanings to construction cleanup, office maintenance, Airbnb turnovers, and events, this company provides exceptional quality service every step of the way.
Gaines Royal Transport – Gaines Royal Transport (GRT) is a non-emergency medical transportation service that provides rides to mostly seniors and people with disabilities.
Kitty Bird Photo – Photographer is a connection artist that captured warm and expressive images of business events and branding portraits for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Austin. As a collaborative and creative, she offers genuine images that elevate brands and foster community at business events.
LCR Food Services, LLC – Make every occasion a culinary masterpiece with Canapé by Marianne Renauld. LCR Food Services specializes in crafting visually stunning grazing tables and providing personalized catering experiences.
Reycast Media – Reycast Media LLC creates high quality video for broadcast distribution and engaging social media content (video & audio) for brands and businesses. With two decades of experience in the broadcast industry, Reycast Media brings your vision to life in English & Spanish.
Smiley’s Recycling & Resale – Smiley’s Junk Removal and Recycling believes that a difference can be made in the impact on landfills only by recycling, reusing, and up-cycling the items picked up from residents and businesses of Austin, TX and the surrounding area.
Kiki Roman hair designer – Full service hair services with specialty in hair color.
“EGBI has been a strong advocate and resource for the small business community in Austin,” said Christopher Rios, Wells Fargo Vice President of Community Impact and Philanthropy. “We understand that access to capital remains a key barrier for minority-owned and-led businesses. We hope that these grants will serve as an extended lifeline to help EGBI and these inspiring business owners continue to flourish and serve their mission.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses play a significant role in the economic landscape of Texas, comprising 99.8% of all businesses in the state. These businesses employ 4.9 million individuals, representing 44.5% of the workforce in Texas.
The listening session allowed Wells Fargo to hear from the struggles, milestones, and successes that 10 small business owners and clients of EGBI have experienced in the last year. The small business owners who participated have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience in their entrepreneurial pursuits with the support of the Economic Growth Business Incubator in 2023. These entrepreneurs shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and driving growth in their businesses and communities. The business owners are a mix of the different industries that represent the true face of small business owners in our community, including a hairdresser, a cleaning company, a media production company, a photographer, a residential organizer, a transportation company, a personal trainer, a product retailer, and junk removal company. In 2023, nearly 500 individuals in the Austin area have benefited from the comprehensive coaching, training, and support provided by EGBI to aspiring and existing business owners facing barriers to success. EGBI was presented with a proclamation honoring their commitment to helping small business flourish in Austin.
“In May 2023, EGBI was named the number one business incubator in the city of Austin by the Austin Business Journal due to number of local businesses assisted,” said Larissa Davila, Executive Director of EGBI. “Our vision is to empower every small business to become profitable, sustainable, and an asset to the community, we try to reduce as many barriers as possible we can for the small business owners to be successful.”
Andres is a Colombian immigrant, he spent the last 18 years in the U.S.. He’s had many jobs such as construction, cleaning, tutoring, etc. His website uses artificial intelligence to make the hiring process more easier and less of a struggle for small business owners, or even the employees/people looking for jobs. With artificial intelligence you don’t have to rely on word of mouth just because you are in need, but you can actually find the right person with the right qualities that you want in an employee. Moil means hard work, they chose the name to represent the hard work in Latinos. The Moil website is used to connect small and medium size businesses with people to hire in real time.
We share the conversation.
Larissa: Share with us a little bit about what we were talking. I can’t wait to share our conversations and what you are offering as a solution.
Andres: Absolutely, look I mean over the last 18 years like you mentioned right, I’ve had the opportunity not only to be an employee on construction, cleaning, tutoring, corporate sales, you know but I’ve also had the opportunity to be a business owner so I’ve had the opportunity to experience the pain points on both ends and then with the boom of artificial intelligence, you know we thought, hey what can we do to not only streamline the process for both ends, but what can we do to actually improve the process so that businesses can hire quicker so that businesses can actually find talent in real time and then candidates can actually highlight and showcase those skills.
Larissa: What is Moil and what does it offer?
Andres: The word Moil means hard work, we chose this name to represent our hard working latinos. I’m a Latino immigrant, and we chose the name because it became a mission for Latinos to learn many skills so that they could actually find a job here, a job there but, never actually having a place where they can actually utilize all of the skills in one single place. We’re a platform where we use artificial intelligence to connect small and medium businesses with people seeking employment, and we do this in real time so we allow businesses to actually match and connect with candidates and even hire them on the spot.
Larissa: Why did you decide to launch this app?
Andres: It comes from two things, it comes from not being able to showcase and highlight their skills for skilled labor and not being able to actually monetize all of their skills and number two it comes from my personal experience. On both ends, I’ve seen it, I’ve seen the issues that we look to fix both from an employee side and an employer side then with the boom of artificial intelligence it allowed us to actually simplify and streamline these processes and it was the perfect time historically. Technology was meant to actually reach everyone and anyone.
Larissa: Who can benefit from it?
Andres: Any small medium business or even a large business that is looking to hire will benefit from our solution because we’ve simplified the process. I encourage small medium businesses who don’t use technology today to give our application an opportunity because they will see that not only is it going to save them time it’s going to save them time it’s going to save them money in the short and long term because it will allow them to find the right people at the right time which is very important for all small and medium businesses who struggle many times to hire the right candidate or who struggle to actually say, hey I can’t hire someone full-time, well through our platform you can hire full-time, part-time, contract.
Larissa: How can a small business owner start using it?
Andres: I’m glad you asked because you know we actually created this with you in mind, we created this company so that we could use that artificial intelligence to get rid of many obstacles, time, educational levels and language barriers, you don’t need to be very good with computers you don’t need to be very good with technology. You can do this from your phone or your computer and it will take just two minutes to post that job. I will show you exactly how to post that job, once you create your Moil account. You go to our website Moilapp you just need to know the basics of your business in order to create your business account. From your dashboard you have the option to post a job, you are going to click on “post a job”, you get to choose between English and Spanish, we are in the process of making the languages broader, then you just fill in the questions with what you’re looking for. By just putting your business name and the job title we’re going to click on “Generate for me”, and our artificial intelligence is gonna do the rest of it for you, the process takes just a few seconds while it loads, and this will actually create the job description for you and it also fills up the rest of the information about the position. You can edit the response, and once you are done you can E-verify or not-verify and then you click “save and continue”.”
Larissa: What would you like people to take away from this conversation?
Andres: A few things, for business don’t be scared of technology, technology has proven to actually help you grow, make more money and become a more efficient business. Today we need to use technology to continue to grow, don’t be afraid because it will actually simplify many many processes for you, now for people looking for employment remember that coming to the US or starting a new job does not mean you have to start from scratch no one can take away your experience and abilities no one can take away your skills so please make sure to highlight them while looking for a new job.”
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/.
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/.
Meet Ava Dasari, a summer program intern at EGBI. Ava is very passionate about business, especially in the realm of small businesses. Ava was born in Austin, Texas, and has lived there ever since. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, spend time with her friends, and bake for her friends and family.
Ava shares her experience at EGBI with you.
Share a fun fact with us.
I am really passionate about debate, and I’ve been debating in school for almost 4 years now. Debate allows me to express myself, while also traveling, and bonding with my teammates.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I first got involved with EGBI because I wanted to get hands-on experience with the business world, and learn about consulting. After researching, I came across the city of Austin Internship program, where I was paired with EGBI as my site for this internship.
Why do you intern for EGBI?
EGBI heavily aligns with my values as an intern. I love helping small businesses kickstart, and I love giving back to my community. I intern for EGBI because it provides me with valuable insight into the business world, while also helping me gain hands-on experience. Through my experiences at EGBI, I know I have expanded my knowledge about small businesses, but also gained skills in marketing, pricing, entrepreneurship, and graphic design.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
Professionally, EGBI has helped me by teaching me important skills about marketing, investment, and small business consulting. I have made connections within the business world, and I know these skills will last me a lifetime. Personally, EGBI has helped me by growing my communication skills. By communicating with different clients, I am able to learn how to understand many different types of people, and provide solutions to their unique problems.
Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
