Montgomery County Launches Mentoring Program to Train Green Entrepreneurs

Theo nguồn tin của quận Montgomery For Immediate Release: 1/31/2014 Montgomery County Launches Mentoring Program to Train Green Entrepreneurs The William James Foundation (WJF), Bethesda Green, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED) and Montgomery Business Development Corporation (MBDC) are partnering to support the growth of local green businesses. The newly launched Mentor Capital Network program will accelerate entrepreneurial growth and expand our green industry cluster in the region. Building on WJF’s global Sustainable Business Plan Competition, local green businesses in the Mentor Capital Network program will participate in one-on-one mentoring, receive expert advice on creating investment-ready business plans, engage in peer educational events and pitch to investors. Up to 15 companies will be accepted in the program. Applications will be accepted through February 5, 2014. “Last year’s Investor Pitch Training Program prepared local entrepreneurs to engage with investors,” said Steven Silverman, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Economic Development. “This year, the County is pleased to work with Bethesda Green, MBDC and our new partner, the William James Foundation, on an even more ambitious program that will incorporate mentoring, training and networking.” “Our partnership with WJF will enable us to offer customized one-on-one mentoring that will address entrepreneurs’ business models and specific growth issues,” said Robert Snyder, Bethesda Green’s Incubator manager. Ian Fisk, executive director of WJF added, “We are excited for the opportunity to leverage Bethesda Green’s strong connection in the local community and provide more intense mentor capital to locally-based green businesses.” “MBDC is proud to partner with the William James Foundation, Bethesda Green and DED to continue to enhance our green entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Holly Sears Sullivan, MBDC president. “With our prime assets and talent, Montgomery County is well-positioned to be a leader in green technology and business development.” For more information about the mentoring program, contact Sumi Shrestha at 240-396-2440, x106 or via email at sumi@bethesdagreen.org. About the William James Foundation WJF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization world-renowned for investing mentor capital in social and environmental impact entrepreneurs across the globe to accelerate the impact of their businesses. Each year WJF works with dozens of partners and hundreds of experts to identify and encourage entrepreneurs to take a big step: turn their invention or idea into a scalable business. Entrepreneurs leverage the WJF Mentor Capital Network — the advice, feedback and coaching that our expert mentors can provide to turn their idea into a scalable business, creating real social and environmental impact. About Bethesda Green Bethesda Green is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of businesses, government and residents that serves as a catalyst and trusted resource in building a dynamic model community for sustainable living and economic growth. The Bethesda Green Incubator houses 17 companies and non-profits that are developing the next generation of sustainable products and services. The incubator also serves as a hub for the emerging green economic cluster in the region with workshops, networking and mentoring activities. About the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development MCDED is charged with implementing the County’s economic development vision of being a globally-competitive, highly-diversified and knowledge-based economy that provides for the retention and growth of existing companies, stimulates new job creation and enhances entrepreneurial opportunities for all businesses. The Department offers a broad range of programs, services, partnering opportunities and strategic financing resources to stimulate and expand the County’s business, job and tax base. # # # Media Contacts: Kristina Ellis, kristina.ellis@montgomerycountymd.gov, 240-777-2024 Sumi Shrestha, sumi@bethesdagreen.org, 240-396-2440, x106 Vikki Frank, vikki@williamjamesfoundation.org, 202-365-4570 # # # Release ID: 14-045 Media Contact: Kristina Ellis 240-777-2024

http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=13347

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