LDF/SBDC colonia initiative
reports successes in economic development

Levaraging private sector funds with local, state, and federal resources and working through a network of business development specialists and local promotoras, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has initiated a Colonia Initiative that boasts many individual successes and, more importantly, a sustainable framework to expand local business and create value added jobs.
The Colonia Initiative, which promotes economic development in Webb County's rural communities, targets the small business and rural communities of Larga Vista, El Cenizo, and Río Bravo.
The project consists of utilizing the proper business tools to guide new and existing small business owners so they can better manage their business. "We have translated all literature and power point presentations into Spanish to make our materials more useful," said SBDC program director Araceli Lozano.
The Laredo Development Foundation's SBDC was established to assist new and existing entrepreneurs with their business needs, as well as provide leadership in economic development planning and delivery of highly effective counseling and training services in all aspects of small business management.
The established businesses of Larga Vista, El Cenizo, and Río Bravo include grocery stores, restaurants, beauty salons, tire shops, bakery stores, and used auto part stores, among others. "There are many individuals in these areas who have unique skills, and are now realizing that their skills can be turned into a money making opportunity," Lozano said. "For example, most of the individuals that have been receiving help through the SBDC initiative have skills in baking, sewing, arts and crafts, construction repairs, mechanics, and hair dressing. Some individuals put their skills into use for a hobby or when they need extra money. Colonia clients are changing their focus and are beginning to see their skills as a possible source of income."
According to Lozano, colonia residents are being counseled in business issues such as business guidance, how to enhance their business skills, and loan assistance. Training includes, but is not limited to, marketing strategies, skills for new supervisors, basic computer training, and instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
An additional engine to enhance growth and local small business expansion has been the partnership with the "Accion Texas Micro-Loan Program" which has allowed individuals seeking financing the flexibility to obtain funding despite of their credit history. This in turn has given entrepreneurs the opportunity to enhance not only their own skills, but those of their employees by creating skilled and/or higher jobs.