December 4, 2007

Broome Community College To Host
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Graduation Thursday Evening

(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome Community College President, Dr. Laurence Spraggs, today announced that a graduation ceremony for the third class of the  Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) will take place at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6, 2007 in Room 201 of the Decker Building, which is located on campus.

The graduation, which includes 17 students, is the culmination of 60 hours of entrepreneurial training in conjunction with one-on-one counseling. CEO/President of the Urban League, Jennifer Lesko, Debra Morello of Broome Community College, Terry Stark, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board, and Mayor Matthew Ryan will be in attendance.

“The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program provides a range of services to assist individuals in creating or expanding a business with the goal of generating revenue and employees,” said Ginny Robert, Director of the EAP. “Building a business isn't easy, but success can be achieved with proper training and mentoring.”

Three of the graduates started new businesses during the course of the EAP. Kathy West started a medical billing service, Barbara Davis started a relaxation boutique and Mary McGrath started an internet business selling specialty wedding items.

The remaining graduates are: Christine Baust, Toni Colling, Linda Grabowski, Michele Langevin, Mary Lewis, Laurie Lippman, Gino Puccio, Danielle Pauline, Chuck Santacroce, Dennis See, Karen Stanley, Terry Ryan, Christine Wheaton, Margie Williams.

Several of the graduates were already in business prior to enrolling in the EAP, and participated in the program as a means to strengthen and expand their current business operations.  

“This program has been an unbelievable experience,” said EAP graduate Karen Stanley, owner of Shard of Glass Studios who specializes in mosaic jewelry and art and has been in business for the last three years. “I'm so impressed at the drive and motivation among the group of people that attended these classes. This has been one of the most informative experiences of my life. This program has given me an immense amount of respect and admiration for people who go the distance to open a small business.”

 “New businesses continue to play a crucial role in the growth of the local, regional and national economy,” said BCC President Dr. Laurence Spraggs. “Each EAP graduate specializes in a diverse range of retail, professional, manufacturing and production services. BCC and the EAP are committed to educating, training and retaining entrepreneurs whose businesses can add to our economy.”   

The EAP is designed to assist women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and dislocated workers in forming new businesses through acquiring the skills and capital needed to turn business concepts into a reality. The target area is Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware Counties . “Students learn how to develop a solid business plan, research potential markets, forecast sales and learn networking skills,” notes EAP Director Ginny L. Robert.