Yolanda A. Facio

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Small Business Startup, Business Planning, Marketing, Customer Relations, Hiring and Employee Management

Human Relations in Business

• Oversee entrepreneurial ecosystem building initiatives in Downtown Mesa and City of Peoria which includes the development and facilitation of programming initiatives, events, assessments and research. • Develop/develop new programs including a place-based entrepreneurship program pilot for South Phoenix entrepreneurs and an entrepreneurial thinking program for women inmates at Perryville Prison designed to enhance skills and reduce recidivism. • Oversee Entrepreneurship Outreach Network – a network of Libraries nation-wide engaged in providing entrepreneurship programming for patrons and community, facilitate ecosystem building. • Collaborate with organizational partners to develop initiative for JP Morgan Chase Ascend2020 grant. • Collaborate with faculty and community members to develop a grant proposal for the Schmitt Futures Grant designed to increase economic development. • Develop and facilitate community youth entrepreneurship program including program delivery with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation programs. • Develop and execute a community workshop series providing monthly workshops delivered for the community on a variety of relevant entrepreneurial topics. • Provide expertise and guidance to entrepreneurs at all levels from community members to students in support of community entrepreneurship. • Organize and facilitate Kaufmann’s 1 Million Cups community initiative in Downtown Mesa. • Develop co-curricular programming for events throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and Peoria including entrepreneurial topics, makerspace topics, and design thinking.

Facilitate programming for students participating in the ASU Poder program executed via Community Colleges in Arizona. Students learn the Business Model Canvas and learn to prepare a pitch video. Poder students with an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) venture or idea are eligible to compete in a Cisco Innovation Challenge for an opportunity to win seed funding of up to $5,000 to launch or grow their project. • 2018 Fall EMCC program graduates selected to compete in Cisco Innovation Challenge, winning 1st and 2nd place • 2018 Fall EMCC program graduate selected to participate in CEI's The Big Pitch • Participated at Co-Master of Ceremonies for Cisco Innovation Challenge Fall 2019 • 2018 Spring EMCC program graduate selected to participate in CEI's The Big Pitch, winning 1st Place • 2018 Spring EMCC program graduate selected to participate in Cisco Innovation Challenge Spring • Participated as Master of Ceremonies for Cisco Innovation Challenge Spring 2018 • Participated as Judge for Cisco Innovation Challenge Spring 2017

The mission of the ASU Mentor Network is to catalyze the entrepreneurial success of student, faculty, and community founders by connecting them with Venture Mentors who provide regular, ongoing support to founders and their teams. Venture Mentors (VMs) are seasoned entrepreneurs who act as both an expert on the process of moving a venture forward, as well as a guide to encourage entrepreneurs.

High-end custom commercial millwork manufacturing company serving clients throughout the US and South America. Hospitality, Banks, Retail, and Business.

Work with Scottsdale Public Library to apply for grant funding through Arizona State University and Kaufmann Foundation. Acquire grant funding and execute the Step Up! program designed to provide workshops for Women and Minority business owners. Through a series of 4 workshops, presented at 2 library branches, facilitated content on business topics with a focus on presenting to women and minorities and the special challenges they face, especially as related to communication.

Automotive service/repair facility specializing in Porsche automobiles.

Contributor at Birds on the Blog writing about small business, marketing, productivty and business success.