From line cook to ‘Bakesale Betty’

>>> finally tonight, on a day with less than stellar news about american jobs , we have the story of a woman who went from just making ends meet to building a business that has customers lining up around the block. she did it with the help of other women who are dedicated to giving lots of women a second chance. kristen dollgon has our report from oakland , california.

>> every morning, allison transforms from busy mom to bake sale betty. the most famous sandwich maker in oakland .

>> let's do it.

>> but the blue wig isn't the biggest change.

>> if you told me ten years ago this is what would be happening, i would not have believed you at all.

>> she was an australian immigrant, a low-paid line cook selling cookies on the side to make ends meet when she took a chance. she opened her own store, selling just a few sandwiches at first. then word spread about her fried chicken .

>> this is what it looks like here every day, a line out the door and down the block. 300 sandwiches an hour, but betty is the first to tell you she didn't do this alone.

>> i was looking for something to give me the hope and the support that i needed. and i came across women's initiative.

>> plug in what is relevant for your business.

>> an 11-week program where women put together business plans, get help with loans, and graduate with the confidence and support to launch their dreams.

>> they can become economically independent.

>> in 24 years, that simple concept has helped 24,000 low-income women. their average age, tloinl, and study show graduates increase their income within a year. betty now employs 60 people.

>> my bills are taller than me and i'm 6'6". from the unemployment to the assembly line .

>> i just needed a chance.

>> the same chance allison once needed before a group of women and some famous fried chicken changed everything.

>> thank you.

>> kristen dahlgren, nbc news, oakland .