Salem Small Business Academy Graduates 7
Salem Small Business Academy graduates included (from left to right): Sophia Wilson, Kim Smith, Yirann Marti, Angela Brown, Helena Johnson, and Ishmael Bernard. Photo courtesy of the Stand Up Salem.
AC JosepH Media
SALEM — Seven residents graduated this month from the Salem Small Business Academy after going through an eight-week course on how to create and build their own businesses.
The academy, done in partnership with the nonprofit Stand Up for Salem and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, provided a comprehensive learning experiences covered a wide range of topics, said Jessie Keedy, grants director for Stand Up for Salem.
The graduating students included Ishmael Bernard, Angela Brown, Helena Johnson, Rigoberto Marti, Yirann Marti, Kim Smith, and Sophia Wilson.
Some are already in business for themselves. Wilson owns Sophia’s Cleaning Systems, Smith owns Kim’s Kustom Arrangements, Johnson owns Stitch and Save, and Marti owns Bee Well.
Keedy said the curriculum included the ABC’s of starting a small business, writing a business plan, leveraging social media, networking, accounting, Access to capital, business goals, accounting, excellence in customer service, and the certifications process (MBE or WMBE).
“This program has equipped new and aspiring business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their dreams into reality,” Keedy said in a statement to FRNJ.
The participants graduated from the program on April 15, with each taking part in a business pitch session where they shared their business ideas to Salem business owners and leaders.
Prizes were given, along with free resources, information and certificates of completion.
Stand Up For Salem Inc., is a nonprofit first launched in 1988 by a group of civic-minded residents to stimulate the revitalization of the center of Salem. Since that time SUFS has worked to transform the city’s neighborhoods by fostering resident-based planning and volunteer- driven projects as an independent community development corporation.
Follow Us Today On:
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. Thank you for reading.
About Author
