Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation

FastTrac® NewVenture™ Program Graduates Second Class

Nov 17, 2009
            


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Fultz
Director of Small and Minority Business Development
Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation
276.403.5940
lfultz@yesmartinsville.com


PROGRAM TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS IMPROVE CHANCES FOR SUCCESS GRADUATES SECOND CLASS

Martinsville, VA (November 17, 2009) Seventeen aspiring entrepreneurs in Martinsville-Henry County have graduated from the second FastTrac® NewVenture™ Program offered through Martinsville-Henry County’s Small and Minority Business Development Division.

The event was held at the Artisan Center on Tuesday, November 3rdth to honor those participants who attended weekly training sessions for ten weeks in order to prepare a solid business plan for their new venture. Each of the ten sessions explored a different topic related to business planning and implementation, from researching to marketing, and each session offered participants a chance to learn from business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs who offered advice and information on running a business. “After ten weeks of facilitated, hands-on training all of the FastTrac® NewVenture™ graduates have been exposed to timely information, developed invaluable partnerships and networks, and have been the beneficiaries of sound advice from various business leaders and other entrepreneurs in our community,” said Lisa Fultz, Director of Small and Minority Business Development. “Each graduate is well prepared to execute his or her thought out business plan after completing the program.”

Graduates of the 2009 FastTrac® program are LeAnne Bray, Monica Dari, Donald Draper, Ashley Eanes, Nancy Eastridge, Samantha Evans, Theresa Foster, Pandora Gill, Yonnie Hairston, Max Hall, Tonja Martin, Tommy Nance, Joey Pigg, Lisa Roberson, Myron Smith, Vivian Wilson and Amanda Witt. During the final session, participants presented the Executive Summary portion of their business plans.

For more information on becoming involved in the FastTrac® NewVenture™ program, entrepreneurs may call (276) 403-5940 or e-mail lfultz@yesmartinsville.com.

The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.
                                                            ####