EforAll fifth anniversary
By Yadira Betances
LOWELL, MA — David Parker had a lot of good news to share at EforAll fifth anniversary celebration on Dec. 16.
The organization’s chief executive officer said entrepreneurs were able to get $4.5 million to start their businesses, have generated $3.5 million in revenue, provided 130 part-time and full-time jobs and paid off $1.8 million in salaries.
“It’s very gratifying to see the achievements from our entrepreneurs because their success is our success,” Parker said.
Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande is founder of EforAll, formerly known as Sandbox Initiative.
“Our goal is to inspire people to become entrepreneurs. Once they are hooked on it, they will find ways to solve the problems and when they do it’s an ‘aha’ moment,” Deshpande said.
He also announced that EforAll has expanded its programs to Lynn, New Bedford and Fall River.
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The celebration was attended by alumni, mentors, staff members and entrepreneurs many of whom live in Greater Lawrence.
EforAll selected two Entrepreneur of the year, Tom O’Hearn of On the Spot and Rosa Aleman of Spiral Art both of Lawrence.
The food was provided by alumni who now have their own businesses.
One of them was Angie Jimenez owner of “Bocaditos” in Lawrence, which provides Spanish style hors d’oeuvres.
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“I saw a need in the community to provide quality authentic Spanish food besides rice and beans,” Jimenez said.
She attended Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, but needed to learn about business side. That’s where EforAll came in.
“I learned about making a business plan and have met wonderful people. The networking is a great place to get known,” she said.
Yohanny Cespedes is also an alumni. She is manager of CCK2 Cleaning Company in Lawrence.
She was in the cleaning business part-time and decided to do it full time after getting laid off. She said EforAll helped her with getting the permits she needed, meeting with lawyers and invaluable advise from her mentor.
She has 20 residential clients and 10 businesses.
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