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José Guevara is a small business owner currently working with the ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) in Salt Lake City’s microenterprise development program! Originally from Venezuela, José moved to Utah with his wife and four children. Since arriving to the Beehive State, José and his family have worked hard at creating their family business, Yibane Cleaning Services!  

Yibane Cleaning Services focuses on construction site clean-up and carpet cleaning. José runs his company as a supplemental effort for his family, also working full-time at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Before becoming a Utah business owner, José studied sociology at the Central University of Venezuela and later graduated as a private pilot at an aeronautical school. “I actually started my cleaning business with an associated company called Anago, who gave me training and education for this job,” said José.

José Guevara is a small business owner currently working with the ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) in Salt Lake City’s microenterprise development program! He is standing in front of his cleaning services van!

Photo: Mikaela Herman/̽����ѡ

Family is central to why José decided to start his cleaning business. He has two children working toward degrees at Utah Valley University: one of them studying aviation, and the other studying software engineering. “The motivation to support my children and family has allowed my business to grow and therefore provide for the needs of my family,” said José. Through his business, José is able to support his children on the path to achieving their dreams as they work toward their own successes. It has been so special for him to support his children as they pursue higher education. 

In addition to supporting his children’s educational pursuits, his business provides an opportunity to serve his community. Yibane Cleaning Services proffers low-cost, quality services to their customers. José has worked with the ̽����ѡ in Salt Lake City’s microenterprise development program to further expand his business’s operations. “The support has been incredible, initially with technical advice on my trade and management of my business, and then with the credit system,” said José.  He hopes that his business will continue to grow and be a sustainable source of income for him and his family! 

The ̽����ѡ’s Microenterprise development program assists new and existing refugee and new American-owned businesses to start, scale and sustain operations in Utah. This is accomplished through one-on-one technical assistance and coaching, access to business capital and small business financial products, and referrals to community support services to better assist entrepreneurs. This program is open to new Americans, refugees, parolee/asylee, minorities and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs.  

José's business website is currently under construction. Until then, if you or someone you know is interested in getting connected with small businesses receiving support at the ̽����ѡ in Salt Lake City, program at the ̽����ѡ,  or email us at [email protected].