Bronx Business Owners Graduate from EAC

Bronx Business Owners Graduate from 60-Hour Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) Program

March 30, 2022 – The Bronx Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC), operated by Business Outreach Center Network (BOC Network), celebrates fourteen small business owners as they graduate from the EAC program’s first 60-hour business cohort.

The first business cohort consists of Bronx businesses such as a local bakery, pet cafe, media production and a welding company, and fashion design companies, all chosen through an application and interview process.

“BOC joins businesses on their entrepreneurial journey, helping to pave their way with financing and practical business counseling and training,” said Nancy Carin, Executive Director, BOC Network. “This collaboration with NYS EAC and Wells Fargo marks an important step in our collective efforts to increase the wealth and ownership for diverse small business owners in the Bronx.”

Maribel Tejeda, owner of See Clear Optical said, “EAC has provided me with amazing education and support. My fears of growing, not only for myself and for my family, but also for my community, have vanished. I am truly grateful for the wonderful people at  BOC Bronx EAC that dedicated their time and effort to seeing individuals like me grow.”

In addition to the overarching program benefits, the cohort businesses presented their seven-minute pitches before a live judging panel. The winner of the pitch competition, Jennet Posey, owner Le Concrete Sunflower Media, LLC, a media production company, was awarded $2,500.

“The EAC program is different from all other entrepreneurial classes I have taken because I feel like this class has developed me into a business owner.  I now have a wholesome understanding of how my business should work,” stated Jennet Posey. “The steps and the process no longer seem like hard work or something unattainable. This course helped me to understand realities in the business, what to expect, and how to grow. I am very grateful for this experience.”

This impressive EAC cohort was recognized by Congressman Jamall Bowman (NY-16) with a congratulatory certificate of completion. Rep. Bowman’s certificates stated: “In recognition of your completion of the BOC Bronx Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) inaugural 60-hour entrepreneurial training program. These training sessions are vital to overcoming the challenges of life, and knowing them will help you overcome, and help you continue to grow as a person. On behalf of Yonkers and the entire 16th Congressional District of New York, Congratulations!”

Additionally, Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, District 11 attended the graduation to personally express his congratulations to the graduates on their success and completion of the EAC program.

Martha Otero,  New York State Empire State Development, Vice President Entrepreneur Development & Operations also acknowledged the class for their successful completion of the program. The Empire State Development has oversight of the Entrepreneur Assistance Centers throughout New York State.

The EAC program provides instruction, training, technical assistance, and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs across the Bronx and Upper Harlem. The program equips business owners with the tools to start a business or grow their existing business. Aspiring entrepreneurs develop basic business management skills, refine business concepts, devise early-stage marketing plans, and obtain business financing through ongoing programming.

Throughout the 60-hour cohort, program participants used the business model canvas to develop a solid business plan. They acquired skills such as understanding their target audience, matching their product or services to customer needs, ways to reach new customers, building a growth strategy, understanding financial statements, credit, and projections as well as management techniques. Classes were held twice a week, for three hours, and business owners were offered continued one-on-one counseling throughout the process.

If you would like to learn more about the BOC Network’s EAC programs please email rnorfleet@bocnet.org.

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ABOUT BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK

BOC Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping underserved communities achieve economic stability and growth. The organization works closely with partners to deliver customized support to minority and women-owned small businesses. BOC Network connects local small businesses with economic opportunities, thus fostering growth and job creation where they are most needed.

ABOUT BOC CAPITAL CORP

BOC Capital Corp., founded in 2001, is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing financing to small business owners, with a special focus on women, minority, and immigrant entrepreneurs. BOC Capital provides flexible, customized loans – as well as ongoing business development assistance – to help with everything from supporting a new business, to taking an existing local business to the next level. In response to COVID-19, BOC Capital is providing low-cost financing to support small business recovery. For more information, visit: www.boccapital.org.