By Diana Garcia

Meet Amber Kani, a passionate nonprofit executive and corporate citizenship leader.  Amber serves as an advocate for financial mobility, and has held past roles with the American Red Cross, Texas Stars Foundation, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. She works at DreamSpring, a nonprofit community development finance organization that assist underserved entrepreneurs access to their piece of the American Dream. Actively engaged in her community, Amber recently served as Board Chair of the Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, and has volunteered her time with EGBI’s marketing department, Celebrating Success Committee, and as an instructor. 

Amber Kani shares her experience as an EGBI volunteer and how you can get involved too. 

Hi Amber! To get started tell us a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know. 

I am a vegan, but I absolutely adore vegan junk food. I have an instagram account dedicated to my Austin food finds and at-home creations: @vegantrashmonster

How have you volunteered for EGBI?

I’ve served on the marketing and events committees and taught small business workshops. I’ve also participated in matchmaking events where entrepreneurs ask market research questions and learn more about potential clientele. 

Why do you think it is important to support and volunteer with EGBI? 

Small businesses need help now more than ever. EGBI provides entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to grow and thrive. Empowered with expertise, mentorship, and access to subject matter experts from EGBI, small business owners can create new jobs and offer critical products and services. Volunteering allows me to connect directly with emerging entrepreneurs and keep my skills fresh while helping create new opportunities in my own backyard. 

“EGBI makes the American Dream a reality and you can be a part of helping a neighbor in need. Support for EGBI is support for your favorite small business – the taco shop you couldn’t live without, the mechanic who always fits you in, the hair stylist who gives you the perfect bangs. These businesses make our community vibrant and by supporting EGBI, we are ensuring their success for years to come.  Amber Kani, Volunteer

Why is it important for EGBI to help small businesses in Central Texas?

The pandemic shed light on the enormous challenges small businesses face, but even in a normal environment entrepreneurship is hard. For underserved groups like women, minorities, and low income people, the chance to own a business can seem like a distant dream. It shouldn’t be as difficult as it is, and EGBI provides the boost entrepreneurs need to take that next step. To be a small business owner, you need to be a marketing guru, operations lead, human resources manager, and financial advisor – all in one. EGBI makes it easier to deconstruct the components of a successful business.

In 2020, volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Amber make this possible and continue to help EGBI pursue their mission of training ,coaching, and supporting aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. 

Want to get involved too? Contact us and become an EGBI volunteer!