I have not been volunteering with SBS very long, but in that short time I have been so impressed with the amount of dedication that this organization pours into their purpose. It has been a joy to work with Nicole and learn more about this organization.
They are very well organized and responsible. They are compassionate, caring and in tune w/what's going on in the world today. They are also forward thinking and planning for what is yet to transpire. We sponsored a student from 4th grade through to graduation. Our contacts w/them were exceptional. We are very proud to be associated with SBS.
About ten years ago, I was introduced to Bead for Life when they were helping women get out of poverty by selling their paper bead jewelry. That experience led them to realized the need for entrepreneurial education. Thus the formation of Street Business School. I have followed their journey through this process. To read the stories of the women who now have hope for themselves and their families warms my heart and fills me with gratefulness for the work of Street Business School. It is a bright light in our world.
I have known Street Business School for many years and the impact their business model is making is outstanding. The community that has been built and I personally have witnessed is amazing. The coaches are passionate, experienced and so knowledgeable in making a difference for many many families - lifting them out of poverty in a sustainable way and teaching women to own their own business's which in turn leads to them owning their own lives.
SBS have created an effective business school and teach women the tools to run successful business's which then puts food on the table. The smiles and confidence for any woman going through this unique programme is staggering - turning them from a life of poverty to real entrepreneurs.
I truly believe that SBS is an outstanding NGO, a force to be reckoned with and one that is changing the world.
Good luck SBS.
I had a friend introduced me to SBS about 3 years ago. The work they are doing to lift families out of poverty is incredible. I had the opportunity to go to Uganda and see their work first hand. They go into the most vulnerable communities and teach women entrepreneurial skills and give them the self confidence and skills needed to start a small business. When I went into the villages to meet the graduates and see them at work it was so inspiring. I felt I could pick out the SBS graduates before being introduced based on their energy and self confidence. One particular lady was selling produce. She was standing proudly, talking confidently to each person that walked by. There were several other produce stands near her that were not getting any customers. She was so busy she didn’t have much time to visit with us. She did talk with us a little bit and continued selling at the same time. She would smile, take orders, take their money, give them change, and thank them, all while also answering our questions. She learned the skills needed to attract and keep customers, She was just one of the many graduates that thoroughly impressed me. I believe that giving these women self confidence leads them to be strong business women. Teaching people how to make money and take care of themselves and their families is so much more empowering than just giving them food or money and it lasts a lifetime. These women are also teaching their children, and leading by example, how to be self sufficient and not rely on hand outs. I love the work that SBS is doing and they are truly making a difference to end poverty.
Street Business School is an amazing organization - I have seen firsthand the impact that they have around the world. In Uganda, I got to meet with some of the women who had taken the SBS training and started their own businesses. The ripple effect of this training is far-reaching: the women were sending their children to school, and even started more businesses that employed others in the community. SBS furthers their impact by packaging this training for other organizations to implement in their communities. I love this model because it pairs the strengths of the program that really work - training that empowers women - with the local knowledge of nonprofits already in the new communities. I am proud to support such a great organization!
I have been working in Uganda for almost 20 years. During this time I have become aware of how poverty affects so many people and the organizations which serve them. Street Business School (SBS) is designed to teach both organizations and individuals how to open, operate and sustain small businesses to overcome poverty. Its curriculum is world class and innovative, using experiential teaching modalities so that all people can learn how to become entrepreneurs. SBS helps reveal the potential of each participant and positively builds on self esteem and practical business skills. SBS's curriculum is also adaptable to unique cultures and peoples.
SBS is well run, audited yearly, and relies on regular program evaluation to help it move forward with success. It seeks to partner with any organization whose participants are poor.
Currently working in Africa, Central America, and Asia.
I have been a supporter for 4 years. During that time I have seen this organization expand its outreach and sustainability. It is a wonderful program because it employs the keys for success: training and mentorship. The women who participate In the program are free to choose a business that best meets their talents and needs. Each woman has a personal stake in her business which is another key to success. The women are taught how to run a business as well as how to save for the future.
I have experienced first hand the important work this organization is doing and I am most impressed. Their success rate is wonderful!
The program has expanded to many other countries with equal success. The training and mentorship curriculum are role modelS for other agencies to follow. They are on the right track to ensuring every woman is successful wherever her business is located!
We sent one of our grantee organizations to a Street Business School training and it was transformational for both the attendees and the group itself. The two staff that attended found it to be life-changing for them personally. Prior to the training they were both considered women who were quiet and good at taking direction, but not highly independent. After the training they returned with a new sense of themselves, more direct and willing to speak their minds and ready to lead their women's distribution network forward with new techniques and energy. As a result, the whole organization was re-energized and significant new sales across their network occured.