MANDELA ENTREPRENEURS
WORKSHOPS
Supporting thriving, economically secure communities through entrepreneurship development and wealth building in disinvested neighborhoods.
The Mandela Entrepreneurs program supports the launch and growth of community-based businesses by providing foundational business development support services that are culturally relevant and entrepreneur driven.
The workshop series targets underserved entrepreneurs looking for ways to start / grow / or expand their businesses, and is provided in partnership with local community groups to ensure place-based connection, support, and accessibility.
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The Mandela Entrepreneurs workshop series serves as the first rung in a ladder to entrepreneurship cultivation - graduates gain access to one-on-one advising, a vetted business development support network, and low-cost capital.
Current program partners include:
BASIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERIES
Interested in starting a business?
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Join us this August - September 2019 for a Basic Entrepreneurship Series in partnership with the Alameda County Public Health Department
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BUSINESS BLOCK
DEFINING PRODUCT/CONCEPT
Brainstorm what you make/do best, and define your business’ value proposition, mission, and vision.
CUSTOMER BASE DEVELOPMENT
Explore your customer base, and brainstorm sales channels.
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PRICING & BUSINESS FINANCE
Develop better understanding of your business finances, variable & fixed costs, and product pricing.
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BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Using the Centro Business Planning App, develop and fine tune a short form business plan.
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MARKETING
Explore community marketing, branding, and social media tools that make sense for your business.
LEGAL CAFE
One-on-one legal advice sessions with pro-bono attorneys from the Sustainable Economies Law Center
FOOD BLOCK
FOOD SAFETY
Learn the basics of food safety, and test for your CA Food Handler certification.
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SPACE & FOOD PRODUCTION
Cottage Food vs. Commercial Kitchen production: what you can make in a certified home kitchen vs. what you need commercial kitchen access to produce.
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LABELING & PACKAGING
Learn about retail labeling requirements, and well as tools to research best packaging options.
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RECIPE & MENU DEVELOPMENT
Learn recipe formalization techniques and how to develop a menu based on customer demand and costs.
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PROFESSIONAL KITCHENS
Learn the basics of working in a shared kitchen or commercial kitchen as well as how to use equipment.
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STAGE
The opportunity to shadow a business owner and chef for a hands-on learning experience.
