1. It starts with an idea and a dream for a better future...

Born in El Salvador, Haydee Lainez first arrived in the US in 2000, with the goal of learning English. Haydee worked as a housekeeper, working 12-hour days, getting paid as little as $5 an hour, and dealing with difficult customers. That's when she knew that the only way to become truly independent was to be her own boss. 

Click here to start learning how to open your own business.

2. Training

One day in 2007, Haydee was watching a Spanish language program on TV when a commercial for C.E.O. Women came on. It was exactly what she needed to get her business off the ground. She enrolled in C.E.O. Women's "Starting a Small Business" course the following year. She improved her English while gaining basic business skills including marketing, legal knowledge, negotiation techniques, finance, public speaking, and networking. Haydee graduated in 2008 and opened her business, Haydee's Serene Cleaning.

Click here to learn about C.E.O. Women's training program.

3. Capital and Ongoing Support

In February 2009, Haydee received a Venture Fund award from C.E.O. Women. Her profits have increased and she is saving money through a matched savings account with a partner organization.

She attends monthly workshops at C.E.O. Women, meets with a business coach, and has become a Community Connector, promoting the program to other immigrant and refugee women.

Click here to find out about C.E.O. Women's Venture Fund, coaching, and support services.

Haydee receives her Venture Fund award.