In 2022, small business owners ROSE to the top! The RISE (Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship) program connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources and expert advisors who help identify key tasks for a business, develop a plan for achieving them, and access the people and resources they will need to grow.
With the addition of a full-time RISE coordinator at NEDC in 2021, small businesses gained even more access to free and expert resources than ever before. Some of the main services provided are 1-on-1 business advising, assistance in accessing resources, and monthly events for current and future small business owners.
In 2022, the people and communities served soared! As seen in the graphic, RISE added 5 communities, 64 advising session, 37 unique clients, and helped 12% more women than in 2021. ‘New and Returning’ clients rose from 101 in 2021 to 165 in 2022.
The Minority Business Empowerment Team (MBET) is a grassroots collaborative effort, partly founded by the RISE program, providing resources and uplifting local minority entrepreneurs who may be interested in starting a business.
In 2022, they were recognized internationally at the International Economic Development Council Awards, which recognized MBET as the Silver award winner for Economic Equity & Inclusion! Some of their other 2022 efforts included awarding 12 scholarships to minority-owned businesses to cover start-up costs, recognized 3 Black business owners at their “Black Business Pioneer Awards”, and held various networking events. Be sure to keep an eye out for more of MBET in 2023!
Read the full 2022 Summary of RISE here – 2022 RISE Summary
If you need any help in starting your own business, please contact RISE Coordinator Alissa Fisher at rise@norwalknedc.com or call 419-668-9858. All you need is an idea!
Check out some success stories from out RISE clients!
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