California Indian Manpower Consortium announced that Teresa Meek, of Lakeport from the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and Yvonne Quintero, of Kelseyville, from the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo, completed the CIMC 2014-15 Leadership Training course.
Both recently completed the four-month training course entitled “Leadership Training for Entrepreneurial/Small Business/Economic Development,” conducted by CIMC from December 2014 to March 2015. During the training period, Meek developed a business plan for her emerging business, Creative Native Designs (Drafting/ Construction). Quintero developed a business plan for her emerging business, Riviera Fit.
Recipients of this unique training opportunity were selected through a competitive application process. Trainees received extensive training from a select group of individuals chosen for their outstanding skills, accomplishments and expertise in their respective fields and for their contributions to Native entrepreneurship.
The culturally-relevant curriculum included development of analytical skills (e.g., feasibility/market analysis, financial projections) and persuasive writing and presentation skills. Students learned to develop a business plan and received information on resources to start and grow businesses. Also, the group benefited from the experiences of several successful Native entrepreneurs.
This training program was made possible by funding provided by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of CIMC’s Workforce Development Program and through a donation provided by the Cahuilla Economic Development Corporation. Information on upcoming training sessions is available online at www.cimcinc.org.
More than 350 Native American individuals have completed this Native entrepreneur training program during the past fifteen years. CIMC is a Native non-profit organization operating in California since 1978.
