AC JosepH Media ATLANTIC CITY -- On Tuesday, May 28, the Atlantic
City Small Business Academy, in partnership with the African
American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey graduated 27 participants
from its transformative eight-week entrepreneurial development program.
Hosted for the third time by the Office of the
Honorable Mayor Marty Small, Sr., this initiative continues to
strengthen Atlantic City’s small business ecosystem and empower local
residents with the tools to launch and sustain successful ventures.
The program featured weekly workshops led by seasoned
industry experts covering core topics such as ABCs of starting a small
business, writing a business plan, accessing capital, bookkeeping and
taxes, goal setting, obtaining business certifications, building strong
networks, and delivering excellent customer service. These sessions provided participants with practical
insights and mentorship to begin their entrepreneurial journey with
confidence. The culminating event featured a Business Elevator
Pitch Competition, where participants showcased their business concepts
before a panel of judges. Prizes were awarded to the top five contestants:
*1st Place (Grand Prize): The Soul Shack, Tabriah
Taylor – awarded a $15,000 Inlet CDC Grant
**2nd Place: All Hands-on Deck, Lonniyell Sykes –
awarded a one-year complimentary AACCNJ membership
*3rd Place: Paidr’s Port A Pottys, Paidra Lucas –
awarded a one-year complimentary AACCNJ membership
*4th Place: Empower You, Lorraine Robinson –
awarded free website development
*5th Place: Fitness Foodies, Ruchelle Whitfield –
awarded enrollment in a Business Incubator program Photo of Mayor Marty Small speaking at the Small Business Academy courtesy of City of Atlantic City.
"There’s nothing the Small administration won’t
do to enrich the lives of the residents of the Great City of Atlantic City
and support their dreams," Small said in a statement.
"The Small Business Academy is one of our
proudest accomplishments, and we will continue to equip our residents with
resources and opportunities to create lasting change, shaping the future of
our local economy."
John E. Harmon, Sr., founder, president and CEO of
the AACCNJ, said the academy will paid off in major dividends in the
future.
"Through this program, we are investing in the
dreams of entrepreneurs who will, in turn, invest in their communities,"
Harmon said. "The AACCNJ is honored to help guide their journey toward
sustainability and economic empowerment."
The continued success of the Atlantic City Small
Business Academy is a testament to the power of collaboration between
government, community, and business leaders. Congratulations to all 27
participants for their commitment and best wishes for a prosperous future.
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