Urban Impact Plan

Urban Impact is a brand new program of KUO. It is in the very beginning stages. Our goal is to help folks start small businesses with business mentors/partners, impacting their family in a positive way. A good paying job is needed to move out of poverty. Education is a way to get a good job. So many in poverty do not have the education to have a high paying job. Many of the folks that I work with may not have an education but they have a "passion". There are some folks who love to make things with their hands--pillows, pillow cases, flower arrangements etc. We have begun to work with the sewing class. We are providing the students with all of the materials they need to make the things they love to make. On June 7th they will sell what they made at a sale. Judy and Marla are teaching the students not only how to sew but how to succeed in business. They will help students price their wares. For example if a pillow costs $2.00 to make and is sold for $5.00, the student will receive $3.00 with $2.00 being set aside to purchase more material. If things go well a business could be created with a catalog on the internet.

There are also some clients who would like to start a small service business such as window washing, lawn care etc. I think it is possible to help folk start small business. What is needed is education, maybe not "formal" education but informal teaching as folks start their own business learning from a business mentor/partner. It would be great if a couple of people could set down with me and help me develop this further.