A part of the American Dream has been that a man or woman could choose his or her own career path and rise to any height that individual desired or was capable of…provided that person was willing to pay the price…in time, in talent, in money…in whatever else was necessary to attain those goals.
Sometimes the American Dream meant opening or getting started in a small business. It is what the pioneers thrived on. It became the major vehicle for upward mobility for thousands of people from every ethnic, social, religious and educational background. It became a conduit to a better life for the poor, the immigrant and the economically deprived.
In the marketplace, small business has increased the number and types of goods and services offered. It has been a showcase for unique and varied talents, and it has enriched the communities it served. Thousands of small business entrepreneurs prosper because they provide a product or service at a quality level that cannot be duplicated by mass production or mass distribution.
Urban Hope empowers entrepreneurs from a diverse group of social-economic backgrounds, race and income status. The following is an overview of Urban Hope participants:
Women have accounted for nearly 60 percent of all participants
Almost 32 percent of Urban Hope participants have represented African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian and other ethnic groups
Nearly 90 percent of Entrepreneur Development Series participants graduate (with over 500 successfully completing a business plan and the program)
Over 500 Entrepreneur Development Series graduates (64 percent) are successfully operating in business today as a result of Urban Hope
The graduates are operating in over 50 various communities throughout Wisconsin
Testimonials
"Urban Hope has been a marvelous platform from which entrepreneurs with dreams have become successful business people. I'm thrilled to have been a partner." - Paul Jadin, Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President
"Urban Hope does a great job of what I'll call ruthless compassion. They tell people it's not easy. But if you're willing to do these steps, you can do it." - Hector Barreto, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration