A Venice-based non-profit social service agency has been awarded an $8,000 grant to help low-income clients who want to start or advance a small business.
The grant — given by the Allstate Foundation — will fund an 11-week class where those interested will learn about defining business goals, conducting a marketing analysis and creating a financial plan, including pricing, sales forecasts and use of general ledgers.
“We are grateful to the Allstate Foundation for this grant,” said Rhonda Meister, St. Joseph Center executive director.
St. Joseph Center, a nonprofit social service agency founded in 1976, serves 7,500 adults and children through 11 programs that include emergency services, case management, educational activities, job training, child care and housing assistance. Last year, St. Joseph Center's Family Center Program served 953 families by providing supplemental groceries, mentoring and tutoring for youth, adult education classes, and case management. For more information on St. Joseph Center, call 310-396-6468 ext. 328.
Founded in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent corporation funded by contributions from Allstate Insurance Company. Through a corporate committee and field office grant committees, the foundation funds more than 1,000 programs each year and, in 2001, contributed $7.1 million to communities across the country.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 29, 2003. Read the original PDF.