By: Ashmar Mandou
Arising from a need to empower and uplift entrepreneurs in underserved neighborhoods, Sunshine Enterprises, a Southside nonprofit, provides resources in training and coaching to entrepreneurs to help launch or develop their business.
“We know, especially after the COVID pandemic, that local businesses truly serve as the lifeline for neighborhoods,” says Laura Lane Taylor, Sunshine Enterprises’ Programs Managing Director. “At Sunshine Enterprises we work with aspiring entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level. We are with them every step of the way from developing their business plan, to gaining access to capital, and so much more.”
Sunshine Enterprises offers several courses from Community Business Academy (CBA), a 12-week course offering hands-on business planning and business management while also covering topics, such as like budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping, cash flow, pricing strategies, and credit building in a dynamic learning environment. To the Business Acceleration Services, which serves as a curated road map with the help of a 90-day action plan, seminars and workshops, friendly competitions, and mentorship. Lastly, to the Access to Capital program where entrepreneurs will be paired with a Sunshine business coach to work one-on-one, helping to identify the source of funding that best suits the entrepreneur.
With the help of partners, such as the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Women’s Business Development Center, and Comcast, Sunshine Enterprises is able to reach a larger audience. “We owe a lot to our partners,” says Taylor. “With partners, such as the Puerto Rican Cultural Center we are able to tap into new communities filled with aspiring entrepreneurs who lacked resources or didn’t know where to start. Our partners serve as business hubs that adopt our curriculum, toolkit, and approach. We could not exist without our partners,” says Taylor.
A graduate of the program is Humboldt Park resident Janellie Rodriguez, owner of Janellie’s Kitchen, located at 2617 W. Division St. “I was invited to be a part of a business incubator called “El Mercado del Pueblo.” To be in this space it was a requirement to take a business course and that’s when I learned about Sunshine Enterprise,” says Rodriguez. “Sunshine was a great experience to learn from the instructors but also connecting with so many business owners and entrepreneurs betting on themselves. Classes were fun and knowledgeable from registering your business, advertising etc. I also love the fact that even being a 2020 graduate from Sunshine, they still keep in contact to help me if I need any support. Even being a repeat customer to my small business.”
Always displaying a love for the culinary field, Rodriguez quickly pivoted her business during the pandemic to survive. “To make ends meet we were looking for an extra income, that’s when I heard of PRCC’s pop up events (which was free of charge to be a vendor) we took the risk and started selling homemade cakes, later adding Pinchos (chicken kabobs) and Arroz con gandules and more. Having a great response to our food slowly kept showing up. My husband and I owned a Bakery/ Pizzeria in San Lorenzo, PR back in 2012. So the passion for cooking has always been present for both of us.”
Sunshine Enterprises offers courses in both English and Spanish and require a $25 deposit to hold a spot for one of the informational sessions. “For aspiring entrepreneur I can say that Sunshine will be an essential tool to make your business better or help you believe in your business. Believe in yourself and put in the work, I cannot say it has been easy but I love what I do and am grateful to be where I am today. Being in the heart of Puerto Rico town it represents me so well, Puerto Rican born in Chicago.” If you would like to learn more about Sunshine Enterprises, visit www.sunshineenterprises.com.
