Mina Tran understands what it feels like to see a loved one suffering and not know where to turn for help. When she was a teenager, her father passed away from colon cancer. Her family’s experience inspired Mina to pursue a career as a nurse, helping other families navigating similar difficulties.
As a nurse, Mina could help families in our community. However, Mina saw the need for more personalized, culturally sensitive elderly care when her sister-in-law struggled to find a facility able to accommodate her mother’s cultural, dietary and language needs.
The experience – and caring for her own aging mother – inspired Mina to launch Autumn Meadows Assisted Living, a customized, culturally sensitive assisted living care facility. Mina recognized the need in our community, but she wasn’t sure what to do next.
Mile High United Way’s United for Business program was there to help.
“I didn’t know where to go when I started my business. I saw a problem in our community, and I wanted to solve it. Mile High United Way has been an amazing help,” Mina said.
Last year, Mina joined the Mile High United Way Small Business Accelerator, which provides small business owners with the resources, instruction and tools they need to thrive. Through the Accelerator, Mina received help creating a business plan, setting strategic goals, establishing her business financials and more. She also was connected to one of our small business mentors, fellow small business owner Nina Rupp.
Nina founded Marble Empire LLC more than 25 years ago and understands the focus, tenacity and passion it takes for a small business to succeed.
“I really got where I am today through hard work, studying, networking and determination. It’s been very hard, especially as a woman and minority in the construction industry,” Nina said.
Mina has found Nina’s advice invaluable as she’s navigated starting her own company.
“Getting the support without judgment and being able to ask questions when I’m stuck has just been so helpful,” Mina said. “There are so many things to think about. If you don’t have a mentor, who do you go to for that support?”
Both women are grateful for how Mile High United Way has supported their journeys and helped them reach their goals.
“I really put myself out there to become a small business owner. Being connected to a healthy, supportive community has helped me heal so much,” Mina said.
Through our United for Business program, we work collaboratively with local business owners to understand their needs. Participants are then connected with skilled Mile High United Way volunteers and mentors that provide personalized and no-cost consulting in areas of accounting, marketing, legal support and more to help owners reach their growth potential.
Learn more about small business mentorship and how you can help our small business community thrive.
