Entrepreneurs enroll in PLAN Fund’s Financial Literacy and Business Basics training courses. Each course lasts approximately six (6) weeks. Entrepreneurs who complete the course are eligible for PLAN Fund certification. (Note in some cases Financial Literacy and Business Basics training courses will be combined together into longer sessions, in this way PLAN Fund certification is accelerated and completed in approximately 8 weeks.)
Once the entrepreneur completes certification he or she will decide to enroll into PLAN Fund program. If the entrepreneur elects to join into PLAN Fund program, he/she will be assigned to a center. PLAN Fund Center meetings are every two weeks and are attended by PLAN Fund members. Annual PLAN Fund membership is only $25.
Once an entrepreneur becomes a member, he/she will attend Center Meetings. A Center is an association of up to eight Groups that meets every two weeks. Center structure provides Groups with opportunities for networking, leadership, business skill development, peer support, and business critique.
Entrepreneurs form groups with their peers. Each new member must form a group with other members of their center. Groups become a support system for all members and are especially crucial for networking, feedback, and a strong knowledge base.
Upon certification entrepreneurs who become PLAN Fund members are eligible to receive PLAN Fund Member benefits. These benefits include:
- Training at center meetings
- Support and fraternity of PF Group
- Mentorship program
- Access to loans
- One-on-one business consulting
- Business enrichment events at off-site locations
- Networking events
- Online directory
- Credit Repair help through partner (Women's Southwest Federal Credit)
- Referrals to other PF partner organizations such as ACCION, YWCA, Women's Southwest Federal Credit Bureau, etc.
Members can apply for loans. After being part of an active group for one month, new members can apply for Phase 1 loans! As long as the PLAN Fund member regularly attends his/ her center meetings and stays active in their group, they can apply for our business loans.
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