Goodwill TalentSource™, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s career coaching and workforce intermediary, has had the great opportunity to partner with The Global Good Fund and Amani Institute to pilot the GoodBiz Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Program. The program is equipping 10 small business owners or entrepreneurs within Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s mission and education network with the tools to grow their businesses, become stronger leaders and work towards their business goals.
Rebekah Doss, a Goodwill retail associate at the store at the Nora Corners Shopping Center, learned about the GoodBiz program from her mission coach, who gave her the support to focus on her business. Prior to this, Rebekah had gotten into a car accident and needed to see a chiropractor. After seeing the chiropractor’s wellness services and the personal benefits they provided, Rebekah felt inspired to put herself through esthetician school and open her business. Her business holds a space for clients to relax and feel rejuvenated by providing at-home services, including hand/feet treatments, body wraps, facials and more.
“Participating in the GoodBiz program so far has helped me put more structure and organization into my business,” said Rebekah. “The collaboration and group dynamics feel empowering.”
The future is looking bright for Rebekah. Her business has been in operation for nearly two years and with encouragement from the program, she is looking forward to opening new service lines, expansion, and growing her customer base.
“I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m excited to use these tools to grow the business,” said Rebekah. “The lessons I have gained so far continue to influence how I show up in my career, my community and my everyday life.”
Gloria Combs, lead life coach at The Excel CenterⓇ on Meadows Drive in Indianapolis, was excited to participate in a program that would allow her to speak to people with business backgrounds and receive mentorship on how to grow her own business, an online boutique curated for women to celebrate their individuality through fashion.
While Gloria is elated about the mentorship she is receiving, the program has also given her the opportunity for self-reflection.
“I didn’t always see myself as a leader, but when I reflected on my business and leadership skills, while receiving reassurance and encouragement from my cohort, it truly boosted my confidence,” said Gloria. “It feels good to be around people who want you to win. I am a leader, and I’ve learned that other people see me that way, as well.”
As the program transitions from leadership to mentorship, Gloria wants to work with her mentor to take her business to the next level and achieve her ultimate goal of establishing her brand.. She also wants to focus on other passions, like launching her speaker series. In the meantime, Gloria remains focused on her goals for her boutique, which includes expanding her reach, bringing on more staff, and opening up a brick and mortar shop in the future.
“We are having real conversations and I’m feeling the benefits of joining this program are amazing,” said Gloria. “I think I’m going to leave with so much more than what I thought I would receive.”
To learn more about TalentSource and the GoodBiz Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Program, reach out to justin.deguzman@goodwillindy.org.