MICRO-NAM
New Americans Museum Creative Sector Micro-Enterprise Technical Assistance Program
The Creative Sector Micro-Enterprise Technical Assistance Program is New Americans Museum’s program designed to teach LMI individuals a creative skill and then coach participants on how to turn that skill into a personal business. Recent immigrants and refugees are particularly at risk and many live below the poverty level due to challenges they face in finding employment, including language and cultural barriers. Many aspects of starting a business and or securing employment are unfamiliar to recent arrivals. New Americans Museum seeks to bridge these divides, teach new skills and leadership development through creative practice. The current sewing cohort is taking place in City Heights at the Southern Sudanese Community Center, teaching the creative skill of design and construction of garments.
Currently the program is holding its City Heights classes at its partner site (the Southern Sudanese Community Center) every Friday from 4pm - 7pm and every Saturday from 11am - 2pm from February 15th - June 30th 2019*. For this creative sector cohort, sewing, the instructor teaches various techniques through projects that increase in difficulty from week to week. The participants also attend micro-enterprise workshops for skill development. Participants will also have an opportunity to market and sell products made in class at local craft fairs and farmers markets.
The museum’s goal is to continue to expand its foot print as part of its Museum Beyond Walls Strategy to offer the program into the communities of Sherman Heights, Logan Heights, Linda Vista, South East San Diego, East County and South Bay.
This Museum project is funded in part with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the City of San Diego, the New Americans Museum, the Szekely Family Foundation, and the George P. Lauren Foundation.
Upon completion of the program participants are eligible for:
A certificate of competency and Micro-enterprise skills development.
A session for one on one technical assistance for business startup.
A closing certificate ceremony
Complimentary membership for family or individuals for the New Americans Museum located in Liberty Station.
Resume and interview preparation session for those looking to upgrade job skills.
Complimentary Headshots for professional resumes.
Inclusion in program alumni network (to build connections and access).
