| | Company History It had been a dream dormant since 1999. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Educational Technology (Human Resources Specification), Miss Amber Hawkins started her journey of obtaining a job in one capacity or another to become a computer trainer. Her knowledge of knowing IBM and MacIntosh platforms bridged a connection to additional work experiences that included conference planning, volunteer management, program development, and drug prevention education. Unfortunately, three unforeseen layoffs almost shattered the dream.
In late Spring 2004, after being laid off for unbelievably a fourth time, a friend suggested becoming a business owner. It had been a passing thought but nothing seriously taken. During that time, her friend talked about ASSETS Toledo, a non-profit organization that helped individuals learn what it takes to become self-employed. About mid-August 2004, Amber Hawkins decided that everything else was tried, and that it was time to take that step of faith.
After receiving her Small Business Management Certificate in December 2004, Miss Hawkins was determined to begin the path of entrepreneurship. With $1,000 of her own money from unemployment checks invested, Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC was birthed January 1, 2005. Though a smaller than anticipated customer base exist, Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC informed many of its existence via word of mouth and flyers. Furthermore, networking events were heavily attended, as well as many business cards and brochures printed.
During 2005, achievements that are now a part of Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC’s history include:
Small Business Management Certificate from the Brown Bag Business Development Training Series, Minority Contractors and Business Assistance Professional (MCBAP/EOPA) Program
- Certificate of Attendance to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce Government Contracting Seminar, Owens Community College
- Attendance to Toledo Chamber of Commerce PTAC Workshops
- Listed on www.elance.com and www.guru.com
To date, Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC has attained the following:
- The Microsoft MOS Master Instructor Certification
- MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certifications from NOMBC (Northern Ohio Minority Business Council) and the State of Ohio
- The EDGE (Encouraging Diversity & Growing Equity) Certification from the State of Ohio
- Central Contractor Registration Confirmation from the Business Partner Network
In the words of Miss Hawkins, President/CEO, “This service provides computer training for home users--on their own computers, from the comfort of their own homes. Additional services include business cards, brochure templates, and flyer templates. Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC also provided grant writing assistance for two non-profit organizations, and created forms for an appraisal company. Businesses, organizations and churches can take advantage of services such as computer consulting, Internet research, public speaking, and conference/special events planning. There are those still today who do not understand that computers are a necessary part of their lives. Especially with senior citizens, my goal is to do my part to help increase levels of computer literacy. Ultimately, that is my passion and my mission. Through much prayer emerged gratitude for this opportunity.”
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