LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING GRADS SELL GIFTS AT BEDC’S HOLIDAY BAZAAR

BROOKLYN, NY, December 10, 2004 — More than 25 entrepreneur training program graduates sold gift baskets, food, CDs, books, handmade bags and other gift items at Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation’s Holiday Bazaar held on December 9 at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Brooklyn Heights.

The Holiday Bazaar was the second entrepreneur fair sponsored this year by BEDC and was organized to give graduates of BEDC’s entrepreneur training programs the opportunity to sell their products, market their businesses, and practice customer service skills and to give the public the opportunity to meet and support local entrepreneurs. The Holiday Bazaar also featured several graduates from entrepreneur training programs at the Boricua College Small Business Development Center and East New York Local Development Corporation.

BEDC client Chesevah King, owner of Sevah’s General Store, was selling the gift baskets she’s created for children and adults. As a disabled veteran, Ms. King is an authorized street vendor and sells her products at the corner of Canal and Lafayette Streets in Manhattan, participates in trade fairs like the Holiday Bazaar, and prepares custom-made baskets. She found out about BEDC from the Brooklyn Veteran’s Center and will be taking BEDC’s upcoming entrepreneur training class in order to sharpen the skills she needs to operate her year-old business.

Ms. King said she chose to become an entrepreneur after a career that included working as a medical clerk, nurse’s assistant, joining the U.S. Army and being honorably discharged, and obtaining a BA in Liberal Studies.

“The deciding factor was, I am a very creative person,” Ms. King said. “I’ve worked at various jobs and have never felt creatively satisfied. This lets me be creative.”

Veronica Watts, owner of Veronimos Painting and Home Improvements, sold a variety of colorful sponge painted electrical outlet plates and handed out fliers promoting her full service firm that specializes in improvements to interiors and exteriors of commercial and residential businesses.

Ms. Watts went to BEDC to get the entrepreneur training and one-on-one technical assistance she needed to help her start her new business. Through her involvement with BEDC, she’s been able to secure a Trickle Up grant, has applied for a BEDC program grant, applied for government certifications, and used the organization’s computer resources.

William Robinson, a music producer and owner of Billy Bob Productions, offered for sale the CDs and cassettes he has produced in his Brooklyn studio. Mr. Robinson launched his career in music after leaving his home in Jacksonville, Florida, and moving to New York in 1978. He became the lead singer for the group, BT Express, in 1980, and shifted into music production 12 years ago.

The Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped introduced Mr. Robinson to BEDC’s new On Track entrepreneur training program for individuals with disabilities, and since that time he has been working with the BEDC staff to write a business plan and apply for grants and loans.

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.

Left to right: standing, Anthea Bullen-Williams, BEDC's micro-enterprise development counselor, Marjorie Schulman, Holiday Bazaar coordinator, program director for BEDC's On Track program, and assistant director of BEDC's LAUNCH program, and Joan Bartolomeo, BEDC president. Seated, BEDC clients William Robinson, music producer and owner of Billy Bob Productions, and Veronica Watts, owner of Veronimos Painting and Home Improvements.

Chesevah King, owner of Sevah’s General Store.