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December 3, 2020Six Entrepreneurs Build Foundation for Businesses through Capital Region Chamber’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp
Capital Region entrepreneurs in six businesses have built a foundation to expand their businesses following their successful completion of the Capital Region Chamber’s 60-hour award-winning Entrepreneur Boot Camp training course, specially designed for starting and growing businesses.
“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the Capital Region and I couldn’t be more impressed by the resiliency and commitment of these entrepreneurs in blazing forward with their new ventures in the face of economic uncertainty and the many challenges posed by the pandemic,” said Vice President of Business Growth, Laura Mann.
The entrepreneurs graduated from the Chamber’s fall 2020 boot camp course during a ceremony held via Zoom due to restrictions on in-person events.
During the virtual event, Jay Singh from Sunmark Credit Union presented Cindy Abeles of Viola’s Vintage a cash grant of $3,000 and a one-year Capital Region Chamber membership. Abeles’ business sells upcycled, beautified, painted, vintage wooden furniture, decor and accessories. She offers ready to purchase pieces for sale as well as services to customize an individual’s own unique piece that may be in need of a creative refresh.
Kate Sutton of Spiritual Spark was presented with a $1,500 check from Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP and also won a Ricoh printer from Repeat Business Systems. Spiritual Spark is a digital, e-commerce wellness and self-care business that offers high-quality, organic bath and ritual products and virtual wellness services (yoga, meditation and breath work). Sutton also provides educational resources, tools and products that promote self-care and connection to one’s authentic self through mind, body and spiritual practices.
Alicia Womack of Comfort Care Giver’s won two classes from MicroKnowledge and a 3-credit class of choice from SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Through her business, Womack provides care and respite relief services to individuals and families caring for fellow family members who may be suffering from developmental disabilities, mental or physical health issues or issues related to elderly care.
Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber, was Master of Ceremonies for the event. Alejandro del Peral of Nine Pine Ciderworks provided words of wisdom to the entrepreneurs and spoke about the importance of being reliable and responsive.
Shoprite offered scholarships to military veterans again this year.
The award-winning 12-week course, taught through the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp Training Course, educated entrepreneurs on the critical skills necessary for business growth and expansion. The classes blended virtual classroom and individual training with lectures by prominent business experts.
Special guest lecturers covered topics including branding, advertising, legal issues, market research, demographics, sales, financing, leadership, diversity and inclusion, social media, presentations skills, accounting and more.
Fall 2020 Entrepreneur Boot Camp graduate businesses/entrepreneurs include:
Cindy Abeles, Viola’s Vintage
Ladan Alomar, NY Empanada
Joyce Morris, Live.Work.Learn.
Kaitlyn Steinhorst, Briar Rose Cafe & Bakery
Katie Sutton, The Spiritual Spark
Alicia Womack, Comfort Care Giver’s
Entrepreneur Boot Camp is supported by the Capital Region Chamber and the Empire State Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program. Sunmark Credit Union is the major sponsor. For more information about the program, contact Vice President, Business Growth Laura Mann, at 518.431.1430 or by email at lmann@capitalregionchamber.com.
The spring 2021 Boot Camp begins February 3, 2021 and registration is now underway on the Chamber’s website.
