On Tuesday, December 10, proud families and friends gathered at the Elevate Branson campus to celebrate the graduation of Elevate Entrepreneurs, the fifth class since the program’s inception. Program co-director Chris Hunter welcomed the attendees, and co-director Matt Grindstaff introduced instructors Jim Freeman and Dr. Hayden Head, along with other local leaders who help make the program a success.
Hunter gave a brief overview of Elevate Branson, which started when founders Bryan and Amy Stallings served Thanksgiving dinner to residents of extended-stay motels in Branson and has expanded to multiple programs, helping neighbors in need and empowering them to maximize their potential. The Elevate Entrepreneurs program helps with that mission by providing a route for people to increase their income and escape poverty, to meet personal business and financial goals, or simply to start a side hustle they enjoy.
Instructors presented graduate Stephanie Illguth with the award for “Best Elevator Pitch,” voted by other students for the class assignment of a short introduction and presentation of their business. Illguth was also awarded the “Let’s Go” scholarship presented to a member of each class.
Macy Curtis from the Missouri Small Business Development Commission shared briefly about the partnership between the SBDC and Elevate Entrepreneurs. The SBDC is part of a nationwide network, and serves a 15-county region of Missouri through the SBDC of Missouri Stage University with offices in West Plains, Forsyth and Springfield. This partnership opens up additional resources to benefit the Entrepreneurs program.
Keynote speaker for the evening was Matt Farmer, owner of Vintage Paris in Hollister. Trained as a nurse, Farmer met his wife, Jessica, at Vintage Paris while they were students at the College of the Ozarks. They got married there, and when an unexpected opportunity arose to buy the business, found themselves following the obvious door God had opened. Although they had a lot to learn, Farmer told the graduates, “If God is calling you, He will provide a way to make it happen.” He shared that having a written mission statement has helped the Farmers make decisions and has led to Vintage Paris becoming not just a coffee shop, but a community, as they follow God’s leading to empower and equip their employees and serve their neighbors and friends.
After Farmer’s message, Chris Hunter shared his own journey of God’s prompting to give back to the community, leading to his work with Elevate Branson. He also surprised retiring instructor Dr. Hayden Head with a recognition certificate and gift for his many contributions. Hunter and Grindstaff then presented graduation certificates to the following graduates, with a brief description of their businesses:
● Kat Bennett, Bennett Art Design
● Robert DePatten, Home Inspection
● Catherine Gremett, Granny’s Baking and More
● Lance High, drive-in theater
● Stephanie Illguth, Bike Branson
● Fredrica Smith, Blessing Collection T-shirts
● Chrissancia Watson, Everything Bookish
The ceremony concluded with a benediction, and attendees were invited to stay and visit each graduate’s information table while enjoying Pink Zebra cupcakes.
If learning how to successfully start and manage your own small business or side hustle, while attending class in an enjoyable and supportive group setting, sounds good to you, reach out to EntrepreneursInfo@ElevateBranson.org or complete the contact form at https://elevatebranson.org/elevate-entrepreneurs/, and attend an information session for the next class which begins Tuesday, January 7. At this no-obligation info session, you’ll meet other interested potential students and share your ideas while being inspired by theirs, along with an overview of what to expect.
Elevate Entrepreneurs is designed for people who have an idea and hope to start a for-profit small business, but need help with the practicalities. In a fun and interactive setting with simulation exercises, you’ll learn about supply/demand, the cycle of business, evaluating the potential market, managing cash flow, marketing and much more. The Rising Tide Curriculum utilized by the course has a proven track record of success, including profitable businesses and increased household income.
To graduate, students must attend at least 11 of 12 classes with no more than one emergency absence, and complete 10 homework assignments on time, with an estimated hour outside of class required each week for study and homework. For an online portal fee of just $99, students gain access to thousands of dollars’ worth of value, and thanks to SBDC grant funds and other resources, $50 of that fee is returned to students to invest in their business upon successful completion of the class. Reach out for more info and start that journey to your goals today!
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