VOICES FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD - VOCES DEL BARRIO
Building Wealth from Within Initiative Kicks Off With First Cohort By Kiera Jackson, Director, Building Wealth From Within Center The first cohort of the new Montbello Organizing Committee’s (MOC) Building Wealth from Within (BWFW) initiative has begun their work. On April 18, the all Spanishspeaking group began their journey to hone the business skills necessary to become catalysts for change - creating viable solutions for the community residing in 80239 and 80249 to thrive, not just live in Montbello. The intent of BWFW is to provide business employment and ownership opportunities for residents, combat gentrification, and create pathways to sustain generational wealth. “I am super happy that MOC has created this amazing opportunity for the community,” said Colorado Changemakers Collective director Maricruz Herrera. “I am equally excited about the new amenities (Freshlo Hub) they will provide to help our neighbors. The building itself will be a testament to the hard work of partners and community members working together for a better future.” The BWFW curriculum is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to launch and sustain their own businesses. During the 12-week program, participants will be immersed in a supportive environment and fully comprehensive business training experience conducted in Spanish. Participants will graduate with knowledge on the following topics: mar-
keting and research, credit, and financing, planning for business success, and more. Even though the first cohort is underway, there is still an opportunity to drop in to attend classes being offered during this cycle. You can sign up for a specific session by visiting www.montbellobuildingwealth.org. Current session topics and dates are: ● 05/23/2022 6 Digital Marketing ● 05/30/2022 7 Management & Ops pt 1 ● 06/06/2022 8 Management & Ops pt 2 ● 06/13/2022 9 Credit & Financing ● 06/20/2022 10 Financial Planning pt1 ● 06/27/2022 11 Financial Planning pt 2 The initiative was started to highlight the voice of Montbello with the help of an advisory committee composed of residents and stakeholders who still contribute their knowledge and lived experience. Individuals involved in an advisory capacity have been asked to elaborate on the needs of Montbello residents and the obstacles that prevent residents (predominately people of color) from achieving success within their community. The task of the committee continues to be to create a blueprint for success that will lay the foundation for small business owners and prospective homeowners seeking support. “I love being part of a movement that is empowered by us, the community,” said Narcy Jackson, executive director of Athletics and Beyond and advisory committee member. If you are an English speaker and interested in joining the program, the Building
Wealth from Within cohort two starts on July 25! The application deadline for the second cohort is July 8. If you would like to be considered for the cohort, please sign up at www.montbellobuildingwealth.org. Montbello Building Wealth From Within is an affiliate of the national Building Wealth From Within Alliance and is funded by Rose Foundation, City of Denver, CEDS Financial Services, and the national alliance. Participants who complete the training and coaching series may be eligible for small start-up grants, revolving lowinterest loans, and other financial supports and resources.Y
La Iniciativa “Generando Riqueza Desde Dentro” Comienza con la Primera Cohorte Por Kiera Jackson, Directora, Centro de Building Wealth From Within Traducido por: Marta Welch La primera cohorte de la iniciativa Generando Riqueza Desde Dentro/Building Wealth from Within (BWFW) del nuevo Comité Organizador de Montbello (MOC) ha comenzado su trabajo. El 18 de abril, el grupo de habla hispana comenzó su viaje para perfeccionar las habilidades comerciales necesarias para convertirse en catalizadores del
MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – May/June 2022
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cambio, creando soluciones viables para que la comunidad que reside en 80239 y 80249 prospere, no solo vivir en Montbello. La intención de BWFW es brindar empleo comercial y oportunidades de propiedad para los residentes, combatir la gentrificación y crear vías para sostener la riqueza generacional. “Estoy muy contenta de que MOC haya creado esta increíble oportunidad para la comunidad”, dijo Maricruz Herrera, directora de Colorado Changemakers Collective (Colectivo de Agentes de Cambio de Colorado). “Estoy igualmente entusiasmada con las nuevas comodidades (Centro de Freshlo) que brindarán para ayudar a nuestros vecinos. El edificio en sí será un testimonio del arduo trabajo de los socios y miembros de la comunidad que trabajan juntos por un futuro mejor”. El plan de estudios de BWFW está diseñado para brindar a los participantes el conocimiento y la confianza para iniciar y mantener sus propios negocios. Durante el programa de 12 semanas, los participantes se verán inmersos en un entorno de apoyo y en una experiencia de capacitación empresarial totalmente integral realizada en español. Los participantes se graduarán con conocimientos sobre los sigui-
