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Share the Spirit: Turning people’s dreams into thriving businesses

Chef Yaqueline Martinez launched her own catering company after receiving business training, planning and support from the Richmond nonprofit.

Her business, Yaqueline y Su Sabor Cubano, was just a dream for the Cuban immigrant a decade ago, but it became a reality thanks in large part to small-business training and support from Richmond’s Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. The organization not only helped her get started with a business plan, licensing and social media presence for catering large and small events, but also helped her pivot during the pandemic and continue to thrive by providing family meals and delivery services.

What is #GivingTuesday, you ask?

Entering its sixth year, #GivingTuesday is when individuals and corporations open their hearts and wallets on a national day devoted to giving back.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

Created in 2012 by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y—a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back—#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving.

As we enter the holiday season, we hope you will give generously toward helping small business owners achieve economic mobility this #GivingTuesday on November 28, 2017.

Your tax-deductible donation to the Renaissance Center offers women and men who face systemic barriers to economic opportunity due to gender, race, economic background, sexual orientation, immigration status, or former incarceration the chance to transform their lives.

We hope you and your family and friends enjoy this holiday season of giving.