Growing with Technology Awards

Women's Initiative for Self Employment

Non-Profit
Second Runner-Up

URL: www.womensinitiative.org
Location: Oakland, Calif.
Employees: 20
Executive Sponsor: Sarah Meacham, Senior Grant Writer
Cisco Products: Routers, Pix firewalls

The desire to better one's circumstances frequently isn't enough; people need a guide to help them along the way. The Women's Initiative for Self Employment works for economic independence for women, helping them identify their strengths and establish a business or service with which to support their family. In-person, the group offers entrepreneurial readiness training, business plan training, personal empowerment, technology training, as well as financing and access to new markets. But it also provides clients access to computers and applications so that they can conduct market research for a potential business; register online for licenses and tax identification numbers; and interact with other clients (as well as donors and volunteers) through the WISE Web site to improve their business. In June 2006 alone, the Website had over 180,000 hits.

Technology helps WISE in other ways. Between its three locations, it has virtual staff meetings online, and uses the computers to track important planning, evaluation, and accountability information (crucial for non-profits seeking contributions). Its best statistic: according to its records, nearly 90% of WISE's participants achieve self sufficiency within 18 months, and on average double their income.