Kathleen

In the midst of starting her own business last year, Kathleen* researched organizations that could help get her small business off the ground. She came upon Fresh Start’s Small Business Start-Up (SBSU) Program through Paradise Valley Community College for entrepreneurial-minded women. She learned the program was offered at no cost to Fresh Start women with the Florene F. Jackson scholarship and that it included wrap-around services and support. With high hopes for being accepted into the program, Kathleen remembered looking forward to integrating all the information she would learn in the program into her current business venture.  

She discovered the scholarship and application process began with an interview and through the interview process, applicants were required to present a resume of the beginning stages in their business plan. Overwhelmed by her current workload at her business, Kathleen questioned whether she would be able to fully prepare to be ready for the interview.  

“So, in order to be considered for the program, they wanted a resume to start a business plan and hearing that, I got too chickened out. I didn’t think I was ready where I was at, and I didn’t really feel worthy. So, I stopped.” 

Kathleen shared she knew it would have been nice to take the first steps in creating a business plan, especially for the young stage her business was in, but it was just too overwhelming to build the resume and go through another interview during that time in her life. 

For the next year, Kathleen continued to hustle, working on her business on her own when Fresh Start again caught her eye. 

“When Fresh Start announced that they were going to start the Small Business Start Up Program back up, I was like, “You know what? I’m going to try it.” Even if I just get further along in the process than I did last time, that would be something,” Kathleen said.  

To help her prepare for the interview and resume this time around, Kathleen began the Dream Builder program, an online business plan building course designed to teach the basics, with the hope of learning more and aiding her business while potentially qualifying for a scholarship.  

“I went through the interviews, and it was helpful that I learned a lot through the Dream Builder program, during which you have to do your business plan,” she recalls. “And, I got into the Small Business Certification program!” 

“I got in and I got the scholarship, which was really great,” she exclaims. “I’ve been meeting with one of the social workers at Fresh Start, working on goals, and working on time management. I’m excited for my journey here so far.”