The Passion to Purse Program seeks to improve the economic independence of Greensboro women and their children by implementing a comprehensive project assisting low or no income women to start and maintain microenterprises.

Passion to Purse uses the Operation JumpStart curriculum. This is a hands-on, 36-hour training program designed to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs determine the feasibility of their business ideas while building essential business planning and preparation skills.

Skills learned include: business development, market research and analysis, pricing, and financial projections.

“This program taught me not only the value of my products but how to value myself and my time. I also learned the importance of knowing more about those in my field in order to make my business better and to help it stand out.” ~Shontalla Battle

 

“Passion to Purse is the first step to many steps towards an awesome future. The class is life changing!” ~Latoya Byrd

YWCA Passion to Purse

YWCA Greensboro was awarded our first multi-year grant – as well as our largest one to date –  to launch our new Passion to Purse program. The YWCA has had a tremendously successful first year with the program.

*All classes are taught by certified instructors.

Participants will have access to the YWCA Greensboro’s:

  • commercial kitchen
  • classrooms
  • event spaces
  • on-site childcare
  • other building resources to aid in their business development.

YWCA staff and partners will assist participants in:

  • assessing their own skills and passions
  • preparing business plans
  • budgets
  • securing initial operational resources
  • finding mentors

How to register:
Women that are interested in participating in the program must complete an application. Select applicants will be invited for an interview. Those selected are those that seem to be a good fit for our program based on certain criteria. Those that do not meet criteria, but are interested in taking the classes may be able to do so by paying a fee.

Microloans
The Passion to Purse Program offers a limited number of microloans to women for emergency work related needs or as seed money for their microenterprise.

This program is mostly funded by a grant from the Women to Women Foundation.

Call or email us for more information or
Fill Out The Online Application.

Contact: Passion to Purse
passiontopurse@ywcagsonc.org.


Microenterprises contribute significantly to economic growth, social stability and equity. The only limitations are in your mind! Let’s build something amazing!
Click here to make a payment

What is a Microenterprise?

  • A small business that employs and operates with a small number of employees
  • Started with a small amount of capital
  • Specializes in providing goods or services for their local areas
  • Can be run from home and various locations
  • Produces products made at home and sold online, in local stores, or at local markets

A woman may take out a loan and purchase a sewing machine and basic supplies. She could use the machine to establish a microenterprise that specializes in sewing, tailoring, alterations, sewing classes and more. The woman would increase her wealth and help her community by providing a service.

Examples:

seamstresses
butchers
bakers
candle makers
roofers

metal workers
jewelry designers
hair stylists
barbers
nail technicians
makeup artists
photographers
street vendors
carpenters
machine shop operators
cooks
event planners
babysitters
res/comm cleaners
& more

Passion to Purse Past Participant sets up Pop Up Shop

Small business owner Camilia Majette is doing well with her enterprise. Ms. Majette is a participant in the Passion to Purse program. Her idea was to begin selling hand-crafted ethically sourced organic Shea butter based beauty and body care products with the community. Nailah’s Shea sets up shop every Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Revolution Mills.

You can learn more about her product by visiting her facebook page.