elaine robinson:
coach, consultant, speaker, group facilitator
by sharon oxendine

My name is Sharon Oxendine and I am the Women’s Business Center Director for Mountain Microenterprise Fund. Since 1989, we have trained 2,200 entrepreneurs and assisted in creating 1,600 jobs in our 12-county service area. We consistently serve a base of more than 60% women.
In 2002 we received a grant from the Small Business Administration to develop the Women’s Business Center at MMF. This money allows us to provide special programs and training to women here in Asheville and surrounding rural areas.

This position allows me to support some of the area’s finest women and their passionate dreams. There are so many wonderful women I have met through MMF. I am aware of those small business women who will go to any lengths to develop their business and yet keep their integrity intact. I would like to share with you the story of Elaine Robinson. Elaine is a business coach and motivational speaker. She is just one of the many wonderful micro entrepreneurs we serve here at MMF and the Women’s Business Center. I asked Elaine to tell me about her process with MMF:

My name is Elaine Robinson and I moved to Asheville in October 2003 and began exploring key organizations in town when I met Sharon Oxendine at MMF. Sharon explained the MMF Foundation's business plan program and the training process. After meeting with Sharon, who so graciously supported me in developing a plan to attend the trainings for MMF, I attended the MMF Christmas party. This was my first networking event and it is where I understood what MMF is all about as an organization in one word—Hope. The feeling I got from the staff at MMF was sincere, overwhelming and contagious. What was most pleasing to see was an organization that embraces business and diversity. I was with people of all races, ages, beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds celebrating doing business with one another.
As a business coach and consultant, I made the decision to participate as a client and to become a member, because I share the same passion. My business is centered on empowering people to run their own business; I am a “midwife” of sorts. Honestly, I did not come to MMF for the business skills, as much as I came because I needed people to help me keep the fire burning during a vulnerable time. I was in a new town, starting a new business and needed the right people to walk with me. As an entrepreneur, I am never short on ideas—just which one to work on first? Having encountered my share of nay sayers, I knew this was critical to my success.

I got the call in early January 2005 from MMF for an opening in the business planning class and began the eight-week process. It is a straightforward program, sprinkled with much support and practicality. The program is designed for discussion and dialogue within the group, but most importantly, it was fueled with much hope: “You can do it!” and “Don’t stop!” All of that is critical to the entrepreneurial spirit staying alive. This was an affordable, healthy and encouraging way for me to get what I needed most. I realized I was much further ahead in my business knowledge and skills than most of my group. It was then that I set a goal for myself: I would teach the foundations class and this would be a perfect collaborative effort.

In the two years I have been a member of MMF, I have been given several opportunities to be exposed as a coach and a speaker. I have stopped by MMF several times in between meetings with my clients and received an encouraging word from the MMF business counselors. This was invaluable to me. Another benefit of membership has been having access to their office equipment which has been helpful in preparing presentations and workshop materials.

I came to Asheville, like most, with a dream. I have plans to develop a Christian retreat center and spa. I am pleased to say I am in the process one day at a time thanks to MMF and other wonderful supporters. What most people don’t understand is that a real vision from God is bigger than we can ever imagine, so it must be attained in small steps. What is critical is that we continue to take the right steps.

These are steps of faith, courage and hope. My involvement with MMF provides steps of hope. For this I am truly grateful. For those of you who know me, it’s just a matter of time. So consider attending Surrender: a Retreat Center & Spa

A great place to rest. What’s your dream?

Elaine Robinson’s business is Empowerment! Consulting. She is an active member of a a variety o f professional development networks focusing on “leadership wellness“ including Artist Alliance, Asheville Business Alliance and Women’s Business Alliance.

The network is dedicated to providing, strategy, structure, and solutions for individuals and organizations.
[ 828.713.7949; empowerbiz.net; [email protected] ]

Sharon OxendineWomen’s Business Center Director at Mountain Microenterprise Fund [ [email protected] ]