MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
JVS helps all refugees and asylees who want to start or strengthen their own full-time, part-time, home-based or storefront business.
- Access to Loan Money for Small Businesses. Micro-loans up to $15,000 are available to qualified individuals. The loans are repaid in 36 monthly installments. Interest rates vary based upon the amount borrowed.
- Individual Technical Assistance. Applicants receive individual help with business plans and financial projections. Assistance is also available for marketing, pricing, licenses, business permits, product development and market research.
- Entrepreneurial Training and Workshops. A basic business planning course, "CORE FOUR®", is offered periodically throughout the year. The course provides students with practical applications of market, cash flow, and operation planning, and strategies for success. A workshop called "Starting a Business in Illinois" covers the basics of budgeting, banking, credit and taxes.
For information on micro-loans, technical assistance or training/workshops, call (312) 673-3429 or e-mail sbdcdumancenter@jvschicago.org.
REFUGEE PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Services to refugees from the Former Soviet Union feature English-as-a Second Language (ESL), career counseling, resume writing and Internet job search in preparation for entering the job market. Two job placement programs are provided: the first is targeted to newly arrived refugees; the second offers services to refugees who have been in America more than three years. For information on resettlement services and eligibility call (312) 673-3429 or e-mail jvsrefugee@jvschicago.org.
JVS volunteers work with new Americans to acculturate individually and in a conversation club. For volunteer opportunities, click here.
ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The JVS/ESL program was established to help foreign born clients learn conversational English and to communicate in the American world of work. Truman College provides highly skilled adult educators through City Colleges’ Adult Skills Learning Program. The focus of the classes is on vocational communication; oral and listening skills are primary. Classes are non-credit and without charge.
Entering students are tested for their English language level and placed in an appropriate class. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. Students who work during the day are encouraged to attend Monday through Thursday evenings, 5:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. The JVS Volunteer Program supplements the ESL program, providing students with additional out-of-classroom practice, specialized vocational language and acculturation activities.
The JVS Rogers Park Computer Technology Center provides free basic computer skills training and Internet access for the adult community in Rogers Park.
For further information call (773) 743-5638 or e-mail jvselt@jvschicago.org.
