For immediate release
August 11, 2003
Fourteenth Class of Entrepreneurs Graduates From Metropolitan
Washington, August 11- Graduating from Metropolitan Business Development Center is the fourteenth class of entrepreneurs that called themselves “Smart Dreams, Inc.” Five (5) members of the class were awarded certificates after holding their final certification class led by Osvaldo Vazquez, facilitator.
Each member was recognized for having taken a small business course indicating the participant’s compliance with NC Rural Center’s training requirements as a Peer Lending Site. Graduates are now eligible to apply for a micro-loan. Site Director Ross Steckley gave certificates to: Ken Ogasawara, Randy Manning, Rocco Gentile, Kimberly Sherrod, and Jonathan Steckley. The group elected Mr. Randy Manning as Chairman, Ms. Kimberly Sherrod as Secretary, and Mr. Rocco Gentile as Treasurer.
The entrepreneurs will be engaged in youth activities, clothing retail, and auto repair-related businesses. Other graduates were interested in the entertainment production industry and international affairs correspondence consulting services.
Support for the business development center on Market Street has been given an additional boost following a $15,000 donation from the Wachovia Foundation. Wachovia previously agreed to partner with the Center and provides the financial literacy materials. Other major supporters are the City of Washington under a CDBG Grant; the NC Rural Center; the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) of Washington, DC; and The Warner Foundation.
Those interested in establishing or expanding businesses are encouraged to call the Center at 252-946-7950 and ask for Ann Cherry. Metropolitan has assisted over 40 new businesses and helped create 111 jobs in the area since August of 2000. New applications are being received at the Center for the purpose of starting class #15 on August 18 th , 2003.
(l-r) Facilitator Osvaldo Vazquez, Rocco Gentile, Jonathan Steckley,
Kimberly Sherrod, Randy Manning, Ken Ogasawara