A letter written to EEW at a Business of One's Own graduation ceremony in Beit Shemesh (12.09)

To Economic Empowerment for Women,

Six months ago, we began EEW's "Business of One's Own" course. We wanted financial independence. We thought we would receive simple tools to achieve it. Now we know that in order to achieve the desired economic independence, we need to make a change in ourselves. A change that will cause us to become independent women. An independent woman is one who takes responsibility for the way she manages her life, her money and her time. An independent woman chooses what she does and how she reacts to things the world gives or throws at her. An independent woman believes she can, in her own right, achieve some of the happiness and prosperity the world has to offer. All this demands perseverance, self-discipline and great strength. .
Most of us are not there yet. But we have begun the path to change. The tools we received to cope with difficulties and challenges that the future holds for us will accompany us and will strengthen us in many areas of our lives.
So before we start the second part of Business of One's Own, we wanted to praise and thank all those who contributed to our rise on the road to independence.

Especially, to all those at Economic Empowerment for Women, we thank you for your initiative to create this program, for your fundraising efforts and your choice of facilitators. More than anything, we bless the mere existence of your organization that helps us fulfill our dreams and ourselves. Your true sense of mission gives us a lot of support, strength and confidence in ourselves - things we will claim forever.

Graduates, 'Business of One's Own', Beit Shemesh, December 2009

Fulfilling her dream...

Dear Hanna
Hope you remember me, if only because we met in Haifa at the office of Economic Empowerment for Women on Election day, when you came there specially to meet me.
The topic was, should I register my business. I didn't quite feel ready but your opinion was to take action. Although it took some time, I can now say that I took action - I conquered my fears and opened a business.

Throughout the whole process and during every move, I remembered our meeting and I felt as if you were by my side supporting me. This step granted me an inner sense of elation, relief and strengthening - even though, objectively, I am not there yet. I also remember when you said "every (business) move you make, think if this is good for your business." And it helps to keep me focused. I remembered your advice about putting the word "art" into the business name and I didn't know how to do it. That morning, I went to Income Tax to register my business, I heard an inner voice say "L.R.: Art and Media", and so this is how I registered my business.

Now, with the help of Galia Feit at the Legal Clinic, I have applied for the Welfare Regulation of the National Insurance Fund, which should give me some security for a year. In terms of the business itself, there is much to promote, develop, test, and the like. And that's fine. I know I'm going in the right direction.
That's what I wanted to share with you. To let you know that our meeting was not in vain.
Best wishes from the heart,
Larissa
August 18, 2009

I must give praise and thank you very much. This is perhaps the first time that I feel a sense of support, understanding and the ability to march forward knowing that you are marching with me."
Graduate course in your own business, Haifa, 15.6.09

On EEW's Business Development Services for Micro Entrepreneurs

Limor Shalom,
I received your letter with EEW's planned activities. I really must say that I am very proud of myself. I look at my website and I can't believe it. Perhaps you recall Tzachi's workshop (on building a website) - it all looked Chinese. But, I kept the material and as soon as I took the plunge and set up the site, I realized, wow, I learned a lot! Words like keywords, links, publishing articles, join a community - now have meaning to me. I'm really excited - people are actually reaching me through the Internet! There's more work to do and I am doing it!, Well done and keep up the good work.
Gila
May 5, 2009

Hi Limor
While it is still fresh in mind, I wanted to truly thank you for the very interesting Marathon Empowerment Weekend, for the great organization, for your assertiveness, for the great lectures and for the amazing group of women I got to know.
Keep up the great work,
Tamar
March 19, 2009

To all the organizers of the Empowerment Marathon Weekend,
Thank you again for the wonderful workshops and a great weekend. They give me strength to fulfill my vision and dream.
There is no end to thank you for your holy work that you give to each one of us.
Lydia
19.3.09