“Wouldn’t it be great if…” is by far the most common thing out of my mouth, which is usually followed up with some outrageous idea I’ve concocted in that moment. It’s true I was once labeled “an idea machine”. Always looking for that inspiration, that connection, that key moment that brings something to light. Photography is a passion of mine that does just that. Connecting with people can be so inspiring; and yes, I can be an enthusiast on just about any topic. Let’s talk!
Been a Texan since 2004 and the amazing landscape and tiny towns are becoming an essential part of my DNA. I’m currently hosting guests in Austin, Leakey and Concan Texas, photographing the lifestyle and heartbeat of small businesses and pushing the fair-trade movement with Ten Thousand Villages.
Kitty shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI and how you can get involved too.
To get started, do you mind telling us a fun fact about yourself?
I coordinated and am part of the Guinness Book Of World records for the largest singing bowl ensemble through Ten Thousand Villages.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
I answered a volunteer ad because I wanted experience in shooting for small businesses.
Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
To meet people and use my talents to help them. I also wanted to expand my portfolio as a photographer.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
Just meeting Monica from EGBI has helped a ton! She encouraged me in areas that I didn’t realize were important. Now I have experience in working with small business’ owners and can expand my portfolio to include commercial photography. Plus, I’ve met so many wonderful people who have used EGBI’s services. It’s a community of incredibly warm, friendly, and giving people.
Want to get involved too? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
Meet Pilar Sanchez. In 2000, she was responsible for starting another Housing Authority City of Austin (HACA) subsidiary, SHCC, from the ground up. SHCC now generates the revenue to fund the social services provided by Austin Pathways, the non-profit she currently leads at HACA.
Sanchez’s entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in co-founding a business incubator in East Austin in 2008. Sanchez brokered a three-tiered partnership between her employer, the Housing Authority (HACA), the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC), and the Hispanic Technology Institute of Austin (HTIA) to start an incubator that would help small to medium business thrive and create new jobs during the recession. This became the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI), which spun off as its own independent non-profit in 2010. HACA still supports EGBI in many ways; they provide the space at Eastland Plaza, and have provided over $1 Million in funding for operations since 2010.
As a co-founder and lifelong EGBI volunteer, Pilar hopes that EGBI can encourage others to not only support themselves but to also support their families, friends, and community through the value of philanthropy.
Pilar shares a quick fun fact about herself. “While my mother taught me to be a strong, independent, and caring person, she never taught me to bake. My daughter asked me to make her a castle made of cupcakes for her 4th birthday. John, my husband, knew we were in trouble when I could not find a box of cupcake mix in the cake-mix aisle. Don’t ask me to bake for you; you might regret it. ” Although we may not ask her to bake for EGBI, her unwaivering commitment to EGBI and the local community is evident through all the areas she has volunteered for the organization. She has served on the board, various committees, and different projects throughout the years.
In 2020, EGBI volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Pilar 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 to find out how you can get involved.
Meet Mike Lancaster. Mike was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, but later moved to Round Rock with his wife and kids. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a degree in Business Management. Mike is a 25-years veteran in the banking industry. He is currently a Middle Market Business Banker at Wells Fargo Bank. Mike has held many leadership positions in the consumer and business lending division of Wells Fargo across Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Mike also is a mentor to many junior bankers.
He is on the board of EGBI and a Board Member of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Mike shares his experience as a volunteer with EGBI and how you can get involved too.
Hi Mike! To get started tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am a graduate of Leadership Round Rock class of 2014. In my free time I Coach YMCA Soccer, and love to travel around trying out new restaurants.
How have you volunteered for EGBI?
I have taught classes, attended events and have been an active board member for the past 7 years. I just love to hear the stories from our clients of what inspired them to start a small business and how they went about accomplishing their goals.
Why do you think it is important to support and volunteer with EGBI?
EGBI helps individuals fulfill their dream of starting and running a small business. EGBI provides clients the coaching and support they need to accomplish their goals.
“You should support EGBI because they provide the coaching and support to small businesses to help them succeed financially.” Mike Lancaster
Why is it important for EGBI to help small businesses in Central Texas?
EGBI helps build the foundation and provide ongoing coaching support for business owners to help them be successful. So many businesses fail because they don’t have the support or knowledge about how to run a small business. EGBI helps bridge those gaps and provide a support network to help clients to be more successful.
In 2020, volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Mike 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 to find out how to get involved.
Meet Mary Lou Lugo, an Austinite unicorn (someone born and raised in Austin, Texas). For the last 10 years Mary Lou has dedicated her life to the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, graduated in their Hispanic Leadership class of 2020, and has volunteered at EGBI.
Mary Lou shares her experience as a volunteer at EGBI, and how you can get involved too.
Hi Mary Lou! To get started tell us a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know.
I was a HUB certified business owner; the name of my company was 4D Printing. My biggest customer was the Texas Lottery where I printed for them for 20 years.
How have you volunteered for EGBI?
I have volunteered as a committee member for Celebrating Success.
Why do you think it is important to support and volunteer with EGBI?
EGBI is a tremendous advocate of helping people become entrepreneurs. Supporting EGBI in turn supports new small businesses.
“EGBI is a strong advocate of helping small businesses which helps stimulate the local economy and create and sustain jobs.”Mary Lou, Volunteer
Why is it important for EGBI to help small businesses in Central Texas?
Small businesses are the heart of Central Texas and need our support.
In 2020, volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Mary Lou 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 to find out how to get involved.
Meet Nayeli Gallegos, the President and Co-Founder of Red Carpet Productions, a brand management agency. Nayeli has 15 plus years of experience in marketing, communication, event planning, and business development, through her previous jobs at the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) and EGBI. Nayeli graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and holds an MBA on Entrepreneurship from CEPADE Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. A champion of women empowerment, in 2019 Nayeli was recognized as the Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the year by the GAHCC.
Nayeli Gallegos shares her journey at EGBI, and how you can get involved too.
Hi Nayeli! To get started tell us a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know.
Well, I’m originally from Mexico. In 2002, I did something crazy and married my high school sweetheart. I left my country and moved to Austin, I was only 19 years old. We have grown up together, have two beautiful girls, and co-founded a business in the liquor industry. In this journey, almost 19 years after moving to Austin, I finally became a US citizen this year.
How have you volunteered for EGBI?
I feel like I’ve always been a part of EGBI. When I was Director of Economic Development at the GAHCC, EGBI was an important component of our initiatives. Then, I went to work for EGBI for about 6 years, and when I left my job to focus on my business, I continued to stay involved with the marketing and the Celebrating Success committee.
Why do you think it is important to support and volunteer with EGBI?
I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the community, and aside from the financial support, one of the best ways to help is by volunteering time and talent to EGBI.
“ Volunteers are key in helping EGBI accomplish its mission.” Nayeli Gallegos
Why is it important for EGBI to help small businesses in Central Texas?
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, if we have healthy businesses that are producing and creating jobs, families will prosper, and our entire community will benefit from it.
In 2020, volunteers put in more than 130 hours to help EGBI support and serve over 400 small businesses. Volunteers like Nayeli 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 find out how to get involved.
A business plan is the foundation of your business. Develop a useful plan to open your business. Build your financial projections and your marketing plan so that you will know
Event Details
A business plan is the foundation of your business. Develop a useful plan to open your business. Build your financial projections and your marketing plan so that you will know how to launch your business. Use your business plan as a roadmap to structure, administer, and grow your new business. Local subject matter experts assist you to develop your strategy for your business.
The cost for BUILD Your Business Plan for all 8 classes is only $25 due to the generousity of City of Austin .
Time
August 22 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm - October 10 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Desarrolla un plan útil para abrir tu negocio. Construye tus proyecciones financieras y tu plan de marketing para saber cómo lanzar tu negocio. Los expertos locales en la materia te
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Event Details
Desarrolla un plan útil para abrir tu negocio. Construye tus proyecciones financieras y tu plan de marketing para saber cómo lanzar tu negocio. Los expertos locales en la materia te ayudarán a desarrollar la estrategia para tu negocio.
Desarrolla el plan para tu negocio es una serie de 8 talleres.. En 2023, los talleres se realizan en las siguientes fechas:
Del 24 de agusto al 12 de octubre de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. los jueves
El costo del curso Desarrolla el plan para tu negocio para las 8 clases es solo $25 debido a la generosidad de la ciudad de Austin.
Time
August 24 (Thursday) 6:00 pm - October 12 (Thursday) 8:00 pm
Let’s come together again to celebrate the accomplishments of EGBI and its clients. Celebrating Success luncheon will be held on October 19th, 2023, at the Norris Conference Center 2525 W
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Event Details
Let’s come together again to celebrate the accomplishments of EGBI and its clients. Celebrating Success luncheon will be held on October 19th, 2023, at the Norris Conference Center 2525 W Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 in the Red Oak Ballroom. In keeping with tradition, we will showcase products and services with our EGBI small business expo, where you and other attendees will be able to purchase different items and services from local small businesses.
We hope you will consider supporting EGBI’s Celebrating Success. The success of our programs and services is dependent upon the support of our investors. Thank you in advance for your willingness to support EGBI and our local small businesses.
Sponsorship opportunities are available throughout the year. Your support helps us connect individuals to the resources and education they need to make them successful business owners. As you may know, although Austin is an awesome city for small businesses, not everyone has equal access to great resources. We hope you view this as an opportunity that needs to be addressed, and that you join our efforts and help us create, grow and sustain successful grassroots businesses, contributing to Austin’s economy and the prosperity of their families.
Please click here to view our Sponsorship levels, fill out the form and contact Monica Peña, monica@egbi.org (512-928-2594) with any questions or comments.
If you are an EGBI client and would like to participate in this year’s event, please contact Monica Peña (monica@egbi.org).
Únase a nosotros para una serie de cinco talleres que lo ayudarán a establecer las bases de su negocio. Tendrá la oportunidad de hacer preguntas, obtener guías paso a paso
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Event Details
Únase a nosotros para una serie de cinco talleres que lo ayudarán a establecer las bases de su negocio. Tendrá la oportunidad de hacer preguntas, obtener guías paso a paso y conocer a expertos en negocios y otras personas que comienzan su viaje de negocios pequeños. Los temas incluyen:
Configuración de su presencia en línea
Mantenimiento de Registros Financieros
Cómo Manejar el Riesgo y Proteger tu Negocio
Tácticas de marketing para principiantes
Resumen de Impuestos Comerciales
Endeudarse: lo que debe saber sobre los préstamos comerciales
El costo del curso ADMINISTRA TU NEGOCIO para las 6 clases es solo $25 debido a la generosidad de la ciudad de Austin.
Time
October 24 (Tuesday) 6:00 pm - December 5 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Join us for a series of five workshops that will help you set up the foundation of your business. You will have a chance to ask questions, get step by
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Event Details
Join us for a series of five workshops that will help you set up the foundation of your business. You will have a chance to ask questions, get step by step guides and meet biz experts and others starting out in their small business journey. Topics include:
Setting Up your Online Presence
Financial Record Keeping
Managing Risk/Protecting Your Business
Marketing Tactics for Beginners
Business Taxes Overview
Getting into Debt: What you should know about business loans.
The cost for Manage Your Business for all 6 classes is only $25 due to the generousity of City of Austin.
Time
October 26 (Thursday) 6:00 pm - December 7 (Thursday) 8:00 pm
