Testimonials

Let's just put it this way: without Assets I would still be wrestling with my business plan. What an incredible support system! ASSETS pushed me to write a strong business plan then matched me with an extremely hard-working and inspirational mentor who coached me through the logistics of opening Mommalicious. Not only that, but the space my shop is currently in is part of ASSETS' Small Business Incubator. I am on my own in my business, but ASSETS is there with advice and support when I need it. It's true that owning a business is monumentally exhausting and takes an enormous amount of work. But with the guidance of ASSETS, I was able to focus my energy on the areas that would nurture and grow my business.

Alicia Byler – ASSETS Graduate – 2004
Owner, Mommalicious Vintage Home Furnishing and Accessories

During the time that I was trying to figure out how to open my own business, I learned about the ASSETS Program and enrolled in class #17. I graduated from ASSETS in December of 1998, and opened my hair studio on February 11, 1999. I learned the skills to make people beautiful at the beauty school, but ASSETS gave me the skills to run a business. ASSETS provides a wealth of information to those who are looking to learn how to run a small business. Taking the classes at Assets I learned that I need to be a lot more than a good hair stylist. At ASSETS I learned about accounting, working with different banks, what kind of licenses I needed, the importance of networking. All these and more while putting you under the wings of a mentor. From the bottom of my heart... Thank You ASSETS!

Jannat Veras – ASSETS Graduate 1998
Owner, Jannat Design

It was a real good decision for me to take part in ASSETS activities after graduating from its Business Class 3 in 1993. The staff comes and goes but the ASSETS operations keep on advancing; and I keep making new friends. Alumni keep coming back to attend different events, or to meet with others and share different business experiences. As an alumnus, I can choose any subject taught in any class that I need to refresh my memory on, at no cost. There are enough opportunities for us to network, as there are various specialties among alumni. ASSETS Business Directory keeps getting thicker. Staff members are very helpful and friendly. Needless to say, I appreciate the ASSETS organization for its services, and I think other alumni also share this same feeling. ASSETS has helped pull a lot of people together and created wonderful relationships.

Chieu Le – ASSETS Graduate – 1993
Owner, Chieu Le Photography

We are both graduates of ASSETS Class #15. What makes us unique from other ASSETS graduates is the fact that we are sisters who went through the program together. We had both recently started our own businesses and decided that ASSETS would give us a total view of what it takes to run a business. Cheryl is a Faux Finisher who painted and studied with a master finisher several years prior to starting her own business, Elegant Walls. Donna Bissinger, an Interior Designer is an independent designer with S&S Design. Her practice encompasses residential and commercial design. ASSETS enabled us to continue our education in the business community through continued networking and the programs that are offered. ASSETS has been a great resource to locate answers about many business issues as they occur.

Cheryl Paris –ASSETS Graduate - 1998
Donna Bissinger, ASSETS Graduate 1998
Owner, Elegant Walls Owner, S&S Design

My first visit to Assets I said, I have a band aid that will carry my family for the next three months. I want to start a business, how can you help? I began a 13-week ASSETS class where I learned all the basic guidelines for operating a successful business. I had no idea how many people would surround me during the hardest transition of my life, from employment to unemployment to self-employment. Within three months of graduating from the ASSETS program we picked up seven floor jobs and three new accounts totaling nine businesses that use our services. Thank you ASSETS and all those who helped to build the foundation that our business is growing upon.

Hank Stauffer, ASSETS Graduate-2005
Owner, Stauffer's Cleaning Service