Small business owners from the Sacramento area gathered Wednesday at the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Citrus Heights for a workshop organized by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui's office. For two hours, more than 30 business owners such as Michael Kyalwazi met with representatives from a dozen lenders and resource organizations. Entrepreneurs like him were drawn there for one thing: finding financing in this troubled economy. "It's sad so much money is flying out there but it's not reaching small businesses, which are the engine that drives the economy," he said. Kyalwazi worked his way up the ladder at La Bou Bakery & Cafe. He started as a floor sweeper and, over 20 years, became

The Sterling Hotel on 13th and H Street was filled with enthusiasm, entrepreneurial energy and estrogen, Tuesday, March 10. A group from the Sacramento Press was fortunate enough to attend the monthly Accelerated Networking Dinner for eWomenNetwork. It was the first networking dinner any of us had attended. Upon checking in, participants received their name tags and were encouraged to mingle among the other business professionals. Two ballet dancers from the Sacramento Ballet performed while the attendees were getting set up and mingling. Ron Cunningham, artistic director of the ballet, gave a speech about the upcoming events the ballet has planned (30 more for the rest of the season)