INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) hosted the 8th Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards on Thursday, April 19, 2012.  The event, sponsored in part by Commerce National Bank, highlighted successful entrepreneurs in the Central Ohio community and also recognized graduates of INCREASE CDC’s business planning program. 

Over forty (40) entrepreneurs were nominated, and after a rigorous judging process, seven (7) business owners were selected as Micro Entrepreneurs of the Year.  These hard-working individuals were nominated by their peers or clients, and their companies were judged for longevity, marketability, and community involvement.  The recipient of the Community Choice award was determined by an on-line judging process where the Central Ohio community voted for their favorite entrepreneur.

Following are the 2012 Micro Entrepreneur Award recipients and the categories in which they excelled:

Tina & Tanya Carmichael – Clinton Consultants – Professional Services

Amy Clark – Amy Clark Studios – Consumer Services

Arthlene LeGair – LeGair Brand – Retail & Community Choice

Michael Tavares – Tavtel Media – Media & Entertainment

Aryana Walton-Thompson – Rehab Exclusive, LLC – Health & Fitness

Mataryun “Mo” Wright – RAMA Consulting – Professional Services

Tykiah Wright – WrightChoice Intern Program – Non-Profit

In addition to local entrepreneurs being recognized, twenty-eight (28) graduates of the Developing the Business Plan course were commended for successfully completing the course and their business plans.  Sandra Brogdon, a business planning alum and founder/publisher of Role Model Magazine, was chosen Alumnus of the Year.

The highlight of the evening was a leadership award presentation to William J. Carter, Executive Director for INCREASE CDC.  Carter was honored for his commitment to excellence in leading, growing, and sustaining the organization, which has served over 1,100 Central Ohio entrepreneurs since 1999.  The leadership award, while honoring Carter, also helped introduce the organization’s newest market, the professional and managerial client.  The INCREASE CDC Leadership award will now become a regular part of the organization’s signature event, the Micro Entrepreneur Awards. 

For more information, contact Carmen D. Dandridge, Community Outreach Coordinator for INCREASE CDC at 614 476-1758 or by email cdandridge@increasecdc.org.

Last month, Central Ohio residents nominated forty-eight (48) micro entrepreneurs for the Eighth Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards.  This premiere event recognizes micro entrepreneurs, business owners of five or fewer employees, for bringing innovative products and services to the public and stimulating the economy.  For these reasons, INCREASE CDC is honored to recognize this outstanding group of visionaries.

Nominees provide information about their companies to a panel of distinguished judges who then select seven award recipients.  This year’s judges are Kimberly Gayle of Executive Intervention, Jerry King of ABBA Enterprises Unlimited, Inc., Megan McAlister of Commerce National Bank, and Anthony Redic of A Redic Consulting.

In addition to the seven awards selected by the judges, the Community Choice award will be given to the nominee who receives the most votes through an online voting process.  Graduates of the INCREASE CDC business planning program will also be recognized at the event for demonstrating success.

Central Ohio can show its support by casting their online votes between March 26^th and April 6^th at www.increasecdc.org/awards.  The community can also attend the Micro Entrepreneur Awards on Thursday, April 19^th at Columbus Christian Center Church, 2300 N. Cassady Avenue.  The awards ceremony is open to the public and is free to attend.  Tickets for the networking reception are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.  Visit www.increasecdc.org/awards to register for the reception and take advantage of early bird pricing. 

For more information on the Micro Entrepreneur Awards or to leverage sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact INCREASE CDC at (614) 476-1758.

On February 22, 2012, INCREASE CDC effectively partnered with the Columbus Urban League (CUL) to deliver a business program to CUL clients.

Curtland Caffey, Associate Director of INCREASE CDC, says "This [partnership] is value-added for both organizations. We are a community development company that is very passionate about helping entrepreneurs start and sustain businesses.  The Columbus Urban League has a customer base, which very well may be open to our message of  entrepreneurship."

Kesha Garrett, of the CUL, says "It's a good fit for us. We have the clients, and they [INCREASE CDC] have a message we want our clients to hear.

INCREASE CDC has delivered two information sessions in February and March with immediate plans to deliver more.   Aspiring entrepreneurs who are not clients of CUL can attend a How to Start a Business information session at local libraries. 

More information on library locations/dates/times is available at www.increasecdc.org.