For immediate release

April 22, 2003

Twelfth Class Graduates From Metropolitan Business Development Center

Washington- The twelfth Microenterprise Peer Lending Class graduated last night from Metropolitan’s Business Development Center located in downtown Washington at 327 North Market Street.   Eight (8) members of the class were awarded certificates after holding their final certification class.

Metropolitan’s Site Director, Ross Steckley gave certificates to: Martha Moore, Vivian Ruffin, Roberta Guion, Patricia Dixon, Eva Barnett, Patricia Moore, Stephanie Minor and Donna Stilley. 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 Micro loan. The newly elected Chairwoman of the group, now called “Sweet Success,” is Ms. Donna Stilley; the group elected Ms. Martha Moore to act as their first Secretary and Ms. Stephanie Minor as Treasurer.   Most of these entrepreneurs will be engaged in the hospitality industry involving catering and food services.   Other graduates were interested in businesses such as owning a bakery, starting a clothing store, and developing a craft shop. All class members will work in businesses being established in Beaufort County.  

New applications are being accepted at the Center for starting class #13 on May 5, 2003. 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.

Support for the business development center on Market Street has been given from 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 of Durham, NC.     Metropolitan has assisted over 32 new businesses and helped create over 100 jobs in the area since August of 2000. The Business Development center also houses the Metropolitan Community Credit Union.   

   

From left to right: Roberta Guion, Patricia Moore, Stephanie Minor,

Martha Moore, Patricia Dixon, and Donna Stilley (Chairperson)