BEDC LAUNCHES NEW ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM

BROOKLYN, NY—November 12, 2004— BEDC has introduced a new entrepreneur training program for individuals with disabilities, Joan Bartolomeo, president of BEDC, has announced.

Called On Track, the program features workshops and one-on-one technical assistance. On Track is expected to grow in the coming months, and currently serves 12 clients who have been referred to BEDC by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH). The Commission, part of the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, offers vocational rehabilitation services to New York State residents who are legally blind.

CBVH Associate Commissioner Thomas Robertson said: “We’re excited about what we hope will be a long and successful partnership with the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, resulting in new businesses for New York and new jobs for blind New Yorkers.”

“Self-employment has always been an option for people with disabilities but because many social workers don’t have the training to evaluate business plans and concepts, it hasn’t been encouraged,” Ms. Bartolomeo said. “We are delighted to be working with the commission to help clients explore self-employment options.”

Marjorie Schulman, director of On Track, said, “The purpose of our program is to provide entrepreneurial training services to clients who have been underserved in this sector. We encourage clients to look realistically at their self-employment goals, and we support them through technical assistance, training, and micro-financing. Our program is part of a growing national movement that assists and encourages individuals with disabilities to seek economic empowerment through self-employment.”

With a viable business plan, current clients will be eligible to apply for funding from a grant program run by the Commission and a loan from the EUREKA! Fund, which was created by BEDC for people with disabilities.

Current On Track clients are seeking to start businesses in diverse areas such as music production and engineering, book publishing, inspirational note cards, pamphlet distribution, document duplication and storage, and catering, Ms. Schulman said.

The On Track staff is helping William Robinson, a music producer and owner of Billy Bob Productions, write a business plan and apply for grants and loans.

“They have kept their word about the help they said they would give me,” Mr. Robinson said. “I’m looking forward to going to the next level.”

In the future, BEDC plans to expand On Track to include individuals with other physical disabilities in order to serve a wider number of people seeking self-employment. For about two years, BEDC has offered the LAUNCH program to nearly 100 aspiring entrepreneurs who have a mental health diagnosis. For over 10 years, BEDC has offered a 15-week Entrepreneur Assistance Program to nearly 800 people planning to start their own businesses.

More information about the On Track and LAUNCH programs is available from Ms. Schulman at 718-522-4600, ext. 22.

BEDC, a private, nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 to stimulate Brooklyn's economy and create job opportunities for the borough and its residents. BEDC has evolved into a multi-service, business-consulting agency, serving more than 1,000 clients annually and offering comprehensive economic development services. More information is available at www.bedc.org.