Another group graduates from small business training program
ALBION – Another group of entrepreneurs has graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program, a 10-week class that gives small business owners tips in marketing, handling stress, computers, legal issues, bookkeeping and taxes – all factors that are key to running successful businesses. They also must complete a business plan.
The Orleans Economic Development Agency has run the program since 1999 and nearly 450 people have completed the program.
The graduates are now eligible to seek low-interest financing for up to $30,000 from the Orleans EDA. The EDA also is offering downtown rental subsidies – $3 per per square foot annually – for entrepreneurs to move into the downtown business districts in Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina.
The EDA is capping the rental subsidies at $4,500 a year, the maximum for a 1,500 square foot space.
The EDA also has $100,000 in grants to share with small businesses (5 or fewer employees) that need working capital, equipment purchases or inventory. The grants are capped at $15,000 per recipient.
The new graduates held their classes at The Orleans Business Center at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Complex in Albion. There was a graduation program last week at The Village Inn.
The following are the newest graduates of MAP:
Anna Cichocki, Holistic Wellness Center; Wendy Moriarty, Lamp Refurbishing; Andy Hendel, Andy Hendel Farms; Joy Beth, Fit Body Bootcamp Franchise; James Preston, Preston’s Farm; Michael LaVoice, Into The Enigma LLC; Sharon Houseknecht, Holistic Practitioner; Jonas Trapiss, Distinct Vinyl & More; Shawn Ramsey, Canal Side Tattoo; Andriy Basisty, Holley Bottle & Can Returns; Robert Smith, For the Games; Kylie Hughson, Teasers Hair Salon; Jamie Beadle, Biotic Bliss Soil Company; and Julie Zicari.
The EDA is preparing for the spring class which starts in April. There are spots available. Contact Diane Blanchard, MAP manager, at (585) 589-7060.
