We're excited to share Centro's 2016 mid-year review! These new marks have been possible thanks to the incredible support of our funders, individual donors, volunteers and extended community. Below is an overview of the impact of our training programs for rising new entrepreneurs, and our Business Planning App:
Basic Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 2014 launched in the U.S. in English and in Spanish in the Bay Area
- 2015 launched internationally, currently present in 5 countries
- 441 graduates in the first 20 months
- 42% created or sustained at least one job
The Basic Training Program is for individuals in the idea stage and who don’t have any business education or financial literacy. This program is delivered by a trained facilitator using Centro’s Business Planning Mobile App.
Advanced Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 2010 launched in Oakland, CA
- 7,000+ volunteer hours by MBA students
- 104 graduates, 74% women
- 100% of graduates who needed capital received microloans
- $275,000+ in microloans made to graduates
- $9,614 in average loan size
- 99% repayment rate
The Advanced Training Program is for those who have completed basic training, have a portfolio of products or services, and still need help to develop a sustainable business model. Entrepreneurs do this mentored by volunteer MBA students.
Business Planning App
- 2014 launched in English
- 2015 launched in Spanish, Russian and Portuguese
- 60% of entrepreneurs are between 21-40 years old
- 62% of U.S. entrepreneurs make less than $50K/year
- 53% of entrepreneurs live in California
- 1,090 business plans completed
- 16% applied for a microloan
- 82% reported that they increased their revenue
The Business Planning App was created to help underserved entrepreneurs write their business plans using just their phone. With this app we scale our support for entrepreneurial individuals who lack the education, experience or capital to thrive.
Donate to Support Our Work
100% of all individual donations go to support our entrepreneurs. You can make a one-time gift today, become a sustaining donor with a monthly contribution, or join us a corporate partners. Your financial support is an investment that transcends us - it paves the way for others who need it most, and are willing to work hard to sustain themselves.