Apprenticeship-based Staffing - Gratia

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Siering, Co-Founder and CEO of Gratia, located in New York City, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Gratia, a global training and development program, is helping to bridge the economic development gap through apprenticeships. We upskill talent from economically-developing countries, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their career. Gratia currently offers a business analyst track, as well as a new data science track. Companies in developed countries are taking advantage of our offerings to access dynamic, flexible analyst pools.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a former consultant and finance professional who has lived and worked in many countries around the world. I believe in the power of education and the potential of apprenticeships to empower people from all backgrounds. I was initially excited to be a part of Gratia, after meeting so many motivated, talented people around the world who had limited career growth and earning potential, simply because of where they had been born. I love going to work each day and helping shape a company that benefits everyone involved.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the development of our proprietary sourcing and screening system for talent. We built a comprehensive system to identify and recruit the best candidates for our program, and we have continually worked to refine and improve it. We have used this system to hire the most qualified personnel and increase our program efficacy. This has been a major accomplishment for our business and has helped us to become a more successful and efficient organization.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is having to continuously prioritize and make trade-offs with regard to what you spend your time, money, and resources on. It can be difficult to decide which investments and initiatives are the most important for the business at any given moment, and these decisions can determine the success or failure of a venture. As a business owner, you need to constantly evaluate the best use of your limited resources to ensure the long-term success of your business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Establish a network of highly intelligent individuals to support you.
2. Think of more enjoyable ways to complete tasks, such as attending a walking meeting or working outside.
3. Strike a balance with your other areas of life. There are several strategies that are effective for different people, but taking one week off every three months to go on vacation or stopping (non-negotiable) each Friday at 4:00 pm can be great ways to do this.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gogratia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersiering/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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