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May 2007 Newsletter

Letter from the CEO

In her personal letter, CEO and founder Suzanne McKechnie Klahr talks about the emotional impact of hosting two BUILD Youth Business Plan Competitions for the first time, and gives a glimpse into what the future holds in store for BUILD and our students. Read the complete article.

The 8th Annual Peninsula Business Plan Competition: Brilliant Ideas, Amazing Support

Our 8th Annual Peninsula Business Plan Competition (BPC)  took place on May 12th in front of a packed auditorium at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. The contest was brimming with youthful enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit.  While only one team took home first place, all the students left the competition as winners. Read more!

Oakland's Inaugural Business Plan Competition is Just the Beginning

This year, BUILD Oakland held its first own Business Plan Competition at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley - a milestone for our organization. The BPC is the culminating event of the BUILD Entrepreneurs 1 Course, but it is only the beginning for the rest of the BUILD program.  Read the complete article.

From Cambodia to East Oakland, a Legacy of Entrepreneurship Continues

Natalie Tieng’s family came to the United States from Cambodia after the Vietnam War in search of a better life. Many in her extended family ended up having their own businesses. Now, Natalie is an E1 student at BUILD Oakland, and continues her family’s legacy of entrepreneurship. Read more.

Senior Spotlight

Cindy Oseguera is one of our BUILD seniors and about to go off to college! Her BUILD-supported lip-balm company was one of BUILD's most successful businesses. In her own words, Cindy talks about the lessons she takes away from BUILD-- in particular,  the deep understanding she gained for her father, whose own business failed when she was just 10 years old. Read the complete article.

News from the Development Department

Our fiscal year is almost over, and we have raised over 90% of our budget, thanks to all our donors and supporters!  Merrill Lynch has had a huge role in our success,  supporting BUILD not only financially, but also by awarding five of our senior students with a trip to Harvard Business School. Find out details.