INCREASE CDC ANNOUNCES GRADUATES OF ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM
INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) held its fall graduation for its Microenterpise Training Program on Thursday, November 16th at Long Street Studio in downtown Columbus. Funded in part by the City of Columbus Department of Development, Franklin County Commissioners, and the Ohio CDC Association, the Microenterprise Training Program is an 8-week intensive training program designed to teach business management to small business owners, develop their business plans and prepare them for financing. At the event, entrepreneurs received certificates of completion, funding and encouragement to continue growing their businesses.
The evening started with a brief opening by Executive Director, Deonna Barnett, explaining the important role that the community plays in building our small businesses. Also providing opening remarks was Henry Golatt, City of Columbus Small Business Coordinator, offering the City of Columbus as a resource in the growth of these businesses.
Guest speakers included the 2017 INCREASE CDC Alumnus of the Year, Gary Jones owner of Jones Select Custom Clothiers, encouraging peers to persevere. Valedictorian Etienne “Troy” Manning, CEO of Manning Preferred Properties, shared his experience in the class and how it helped him to look at his business from a different perspective. Receiving financing was INCREASE CDC Alumnus Carla Stokes of HMG Consultants. Lastly, Kiva Columbus representative Lily Vail, highlighted the graduates who were fundraising on the Kiva.org micro lending platform and explained the lending process to rally the support of those in attendance.
Special recognition was given to graduate Dr. Whitney Moore of Pearl Cosmetic Dentistry & Aesthetics for the highest scoring oral presentation, Latisha Carroll of ALotBougie, LLC for the second highest written business plan score and Troy Manning for the highest scoring written business plan. A poem describing the “journey to increase” by iamRhapsodist concluded the event.
The fall 2017 graduates were:
- Chambrell Bond- A Special Bond Healthcare Academy-offers a state tested nursing aid program.
- Charise Bonhomme- Mono a Mono-providing spa services.
- Ed Brown- Fly Barber Lyfe – providing professional men’s tailoring, fashion and barber services.
- Trina Brown- Iamrhapsodist- a Poetry Publisher and Non-Profit that uses art to reach the community.
- Alyse Byrd – Career Building Center of America- a career training services for youth and adults.
- Latisha Carroll – AlotBougie, LLC – provides mobile esthetic services and cosmetic products.
- Kahmali Cole – Kustomizable Kreations – offers custom gifts, home décor, apparel and accessories.
- Jarel Day – Future Generation Latchkey – providing before, after, and summer child care for K-8th grade.
- Aarius Dumas – First Refund Income Tax Service – providing tax services and software.
- David Dunn – Double D Media productions – provides cost effective quality sound support.
- Yaizmen Fayne-Raw Yoga 614 – a new yoga studio planning to launch near downtown Columbus.
- Calvenia Goff- Perfect Piece Creations offers gourmet chocolate covered strawberries in various designs for weddings, birthdays or any special occasion.
- Angonique Holloway – Calhoun Financial Group- offers financial education services for middle school students and young adults.
- Ericka June – No One Left Out – offers food, shelter and housing to those in need.
- Diana Kelly – Kelly’s Mobile Lab- provides professional onsite drug testing services.
- Phil Locke – Business Quarters – community and faith based development incorporation providing consultation in business development.
- Lynette Mallory-Smith – Mallory’s Rib Shack- offers chargrilled ribs, southern cooking and top-class catering services.
- Etienne “Troy” Manning- Manning Preferred Properties, LLC – provides safe, sanitary, decent and affordable housing for hardworking, single parents.
- Mandisa Mathis – Clay Academy- A recreation center for at-risk youth.
- Dr. Whitney Moore – Pearl Cosmetic Dentistry & Aesthetics – provides dental services in the Ling- Lincoln district.
- Makeda Na’eem – Garvey Trade & Development Corporation-is an import/export trade broker proving consultation on development services for wholesalers.
- Marcus Q. Pointer – “All In” Fresh Meal Concepts- offers healthy meal preparation and delivery.
- Brandy Walters – Reliable Builders & Services, Buy, Sells, and rehab homes.
- Robert “Bob” Westfall – Energy Pays Me, LLC- offers energy bill savings to commercial and residential customers.
- Malcolm Weston – Perfecting Lawns- provides commercial and residential landscaping services.
- Cherlyn Williams – J.U.M.P Inc.- provides youth with academic improvement and mentorship.
- Lawrence Williams – College Opps.com – He envisions success for college students by creating alternative means for them to get income.
For information about this training program, visit www.increasecdc.org or call 614-383-7750.
Published in OhioMBE – Dec. 15, 2017 – pdf
