Directory of Organizations
Businesses United in Investing, Lending and Development (BUILD)
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Silicon Valley's dynamic culture of entrepreneurial activity inspires many would-be business owners, including students from local high schools.
For example, enterprising students from the under-served communities of East Palo Alto and Eastern Menlo Park are getting an education in entrepreneurship by actively participating in Businesses United in Investing, Lending and Development (BUILD). This venture introduces young people to the unique intellectual and financial resources of Silicon Valley. More important, it gives them practical tools to help them excel in school, in business and in the global workforce.
Founded in 1999, BUILD's two-year program combines a business fundamentals curriculum with a small-business incubator. The aspiring entrepreneurs enjoy important benefits such as:
- Learning to turn business plans into small ventures
- Getting individual mentoring
- Gaining access to local business, academic and investment leaders
- Receiving high school elective credits for completing the program
Since 2001, Merrill Lynch funding has supported BUILD's expansion efforts to schools in Menlo, Atherton, East Palo Alto, Redwood City and Woodside. In 2003, the organization grew its student population by 75% and is now working with 98 enterprising students who actively participate in BUILD programs.
BUILD works with other IPO® partner organizations such as the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), whose business curriculum is an essential component of BUILD's classroom offering, and the Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club which provides a safe and structured environment for after-school learning.
Merrill Lynch supports BUILD's efforts to expand and replicate its small-business incubator model in the Bay Area and beyond.
"BUILD not only enhanced my business skills and enabled me to start a clothing business named SAV. . . it also taught me essential life lessons."
- T.J., BUILD student and youth entrepreneur
News Releases
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Contact Information:
Suzanne McKechnie Klahr
CEO & President
Businesses United in Investing, Lending and Development (BUILD)
1600 Adams Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: 650.688.5843
Fax: 650.688.5847
E-mail: suzanne@build.org
Website: www.build.org
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Program Contact Information:
Shirin Dewani Belur
Director of Operations
Phone: 650.688.5843
Fax: 650.688.5847
E-mail: shirin@build.org
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