For immediate release

June 16, 2003

Class Number 13 Graduates From Metropolitan

Business Development Center with help from Wachovia Bank

Washington, June 16- Microenterprise Peer Lending Class number 13 graduated from Metropolitan Business Development Center last night in Washington. Eleven (11) members of the class were awarded certificates after holding their final certification class led by Enterprise Agent Ann Cephas.  

All members were 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.   They can now apply for a small Micro loan.   Metropolitan’s Annie Moore gave certificates to: Mathew Keyes, Lillian W Coward, Maureen Hardy, Evelyn Williams, Vanessia Credle, Della L. Credle, Traline W Spencer, Katrina L. Spencer, Ann Windley Freeman, Hyvelih Credle and Beatrice Holland. The leader elected as Chair of the group now called “ Prosperous 11 ” is Mr. Traline Spencer and the group elected Ms. Evelyn Williams to be Vice Chair.   Ms. Della Credle will act as their first Secretary and Ms. Maureen Hardy the initiating group Treasurer.  

Most of these entrepreneurs will be engaged in the child and adult day care industry and in commercial, retail or construction-related services.   Other graduates were interested in businesses such as owning a Body Relax Clinic, a Motorcycle Apparel store and a community Car Sales Center for single Moms. All class members will work in businesses being established in Beaufort County.   They will hold their first group meeting on June 30 th .   New applications are being received at the Center for class #14, starting on June 30 th , 2003. The next class is nearly full already.  

Support for the business development center on Market Street has been given from the City of Washington under a CDBG Grant. All program training materials have been supplied in partnership with Wachovia Bank under the “Money Smart” program.   The NC Rural Center, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) of Washington DC and The Warner Foundation of Durham also support the Center.   Those interested in establishing a new business or wanting to expand a present one are encouraged to call the center at 252-946-7950 and ask for Ann Cephas or Annie Moore.   Metropolitan has assisted over 40 new businesses and helped create 109 jobs in the area since August of 2000.

(from left to right), Katrina Spencer, Traline Spencer, Lillian Coward, Maureen Hardy, Della Credle (lower front), Beatrice Holland, Hyvelih Credle, Vanessia Credle (lower front), Mathew Keyes (upper row) Evelyn Williams and Ann Freeman)