"My name is Ana Vilanova. My business is Spark of History Photography Services. And my client market is the Hispanic community in San Francisco and the Bay Area. I love to say who my client market is because it took me two years in the program with New America to understand that concept—now I know. . ."

The above is an excerpt from a speech given by Ana Vilanova, a third-year participant with AnewAmerica Community Corporation. Delivering the speech at New America's second annual Social Responsibility Summit in March 2003, Ana described the positive impact that New America's asset building and microbusiness training program has had on her life and her development as a microentrepreneur. Having established Spark of History in 1998, Ana joined New America to develop the skills necessary to expand her microbusiness. Since then, Ana has written a business plan and earned a certificate in business planning from AnewAmerica's partner, Holy Name College. With ongoing technical assistance and coaching, she has expanded her client base and increased her confidence as a business owner.