Community Yard Sale Success: Collective Business Alliance Raises $700

Despite the rainy weather, the Collective Business Alliance (CBA), a group of immigrant women supported by Impact, successfully raised $700 at their community yard sale on Saturday, July 20. This event showcased the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of these 14 (and growing) microentrepreneurs who have come together for mutual support and cooperation.

The CBA members, all from Central and South America, have small businesses selling handicrafts and food. The women are all also participants in Impact’s Community Trade Academy, where they have gained the knowledge and skills needed to launch their mini enterprises. With the guidance of Impact’s Senior Network Builder, Carmen Hernandez, the CBA was formed to create a solidarity economy—an economic model that centers people and the planet.

Carmen shared, “The CBA is part of a larger vision to create a new type of economy—a solidarity economy that is rooted in cooperation and prioritizes people and the environment.” CBA members recently participated in a class on starting green businesses, taught by Ana Arriaza, Partnership and Engagement Program Manager from Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection. This aligns with their interest in sustainability.

Saturday’s yard sale aimed to raise much-needed capital for the CBA members, who would not be able to obtain small business loans from traditional sources. The community showed strong support, with more than 100 people braving the rain to browse and purchase adult and children’s clothing, as well as food and household items.

The success of this event has motivated the CBA to plan another yard sale for the fall, continuing their efforts to support their businesses and build a stronger, cooperative community. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the Collective Business Alliance and stay tuned for more updates on their upcoming initiatives.