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Carlos Rosario School
Washington, D.C.
The Challenge
Immigrant businesses are a driving force of the Washington, D.C. economy. Additionally, many of the Carlos Rosario School’s 2,000 plus annual student population have expressed interest in starting their own small businesses. Therefore the Carlos Rosario School has invested more in its entrepreneurial immigrant students.
The Solution
The school partnered with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to expand its small business program providing more services, classes, and resources to students who aspire to open their own businesses. “The program’s vision is to develop entrepreneurial students in the industries of food, healthcare, construction, professional services, and technology,” said Raul Medrano, the small business and entrepreneurship manager and instructor. The program consists of a six part workshop series that features diverse guest speakers. Students learn about laws governing business, organizations that help business people, and how to develop business plans and use social media. The workshops are offered in both English and Spanish.
The Outcome
Several students have already started their businesses. For example, one
student started Mena’s Boys Gourmet, a company that sells pickled onions. Another received five, one-on-one assistance sessions and was able to register his home improvement business. A third student is starting a catering business and building his client base. “We had a chance to hear testimonies from people who have gone through the process and have succeeded, people who started from zero just like us,” said Josue.
Testimonials
District of Columbia
“I am studying at Carlos Rosario because it gives me the opportunity to improve my English. It gives me the opportunity to have a better job so I will have a better life situation for my son and for me.”