ConsumerWatch: Bay Area Group Helps Women Launch Businesses
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- As California's unemployment rate climbed to 12.4 percent in August, some are giving up the job hunt and starting their own business.
One group in the Bay Area is teaching women how to turn their passion into a career. But these women aren't just turning their ideas into reality, they're also providing jobs.
When Victoria Bianchi was laid off she said she decided to turn her love for baking into a full time career. "I have a history of baking in my family," she said.
Bianchi focused on one pastry, the traditional Italian biscotti. With only $2,000 in start up capitol, Bianchi said she started her company. On a good month, Bianchi brings home up to $6,000.
"At this point I need to start hiring more people," she said. "I need someone to do my marketing."
The main ingredient Bianchi attributes her success is the Women's Initiative for Self Employment group that helped her build a business plan. Trainer Andria Rothman said nearly 50 percent of the women entering the program are unemployed.
The program is an 11-week course where women are trained on how to analyze competition, price products and services, keep financial records and expand their business. The cost to join the program is $100. But there are some requirements before joining said Rothman. Women cannot exceed a certain income per household.
So far, Rothman said the results have been surprising. Nearly 70 percent of the women who joined the program five years ago are still in business. In 2009, the women who completed the program provided more than 2,200 jobs.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved)
