XIV.

Final Business Class

Debbie Bailey, TBAI Director; Melissa Wellman; Marielle Jessee; Kathy Phillips; Mary Ann Drake; Kristie Shrewsbury; me

Monday night was our last business class. Our five students were recognized for successfully completing the eight-week business program, designed to help prepare participants for the complexities of business ownership.

To mark the final class, each student presented their business plan. It was great to see all their hard work come together; there’s a lot of talent and creativity represented by the group; I felt like I was seeing the future of small business in McDowell County.

In addition to receiving their certificates, everyone was surprised with personalized country signs by Marielle, whose new business, Mari Signs, produces the handmade, rustic decorations. Even Debbie and I were given a sign, ours reading: “Keep it Simple”. Marielle’s generosity really illustrated how supportive everyone was of each other. Throughout the program, they’ve been full of encouragement, valuable feedback, and boundless enthusiasm. They’ve even begun devising ways to cross-promote their products.

Our students had come to enjoy their weekly gatherings so much, that they've already discussed continuing to meet in the form of an “entrepreneur's support group.”