Citi Foundation Grant

In January, the College was awarded a $30,000 grant from Citi Foundation to help strengthen small business and entrepreneurial efforts in the community. The College will use a portion of this grant to host events aimed at providing mentoring opportunities for entrepreneurs. In addition, the grant will support Continuing Education programs and courses, such as Core Four Business Planning and Fast Trac Growth Venture, designed to help small business owners expand their businesses.

The Expo of Entrepreneurs, held last week, was also supported by this grant. Mr. Tony Berry of The Berry Company was the featured speaker and panelists included successful entrepreneurs such as Jill Watts of Mary Kay; Phillip Dibrell of Allstate Insurance; Eleanor Childers, former ownerof Eleanor’s Bridal Shoppe; Kirk Leslie of Kirk Leslie Painting, Inc.; and Stephen Cooley of Keller Williams Realty.

The Entrepreneur Network (EN) hosted an event February 17, with 20 year-old entrepreneur and writer, Ben Casnocha, who spoke on the topic of “Entrepreneurship as a Life Idea – Becoming CEO of Your Own Life.” In 2006, BusinessWeek named Casnocha one of America’s best young entrepreneurs.

In recognition of National Small Business Week, the Entrepreneur Network and York County Regional Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Council will co-sponsor a Small Business Expo on May 19 at the Baxter Hood Center.

I especially want to thank Edie Dille, Kimberly Herndon, and Susan Brackett for their hard work in making these events possible for aspiring entrepreneurs.