WCC and local chambers of commerce launch MYB $$eed Tank
A very enlightening and well-attended press conference was held at Westchester Community College (Mount Vernon Extension Center) on Thursday, December 3, to announce the launching of the Mount Vernon/Yonkers/Bronx (MYB) $$eed Tank Competition.
A coalition of business leaders in the chambers of commerce for Mount Vernon, Yonkers and the Bronx is partnering with Westchester Community College to create an invaluable competition and learning experience for early-stage business entrepreneurs.
The winner will receive a prize of up to $10,000 and entrance into the Westchester Community College Gateway to Entrepreneurship program of workshops this spring. Runners up will also benefit through invitation to the workshops. The winner will also have the opportunity to present his or her business concept at the GROW Conference, an annual business event that will be held at the college on April 29th next year.
The article below was freatured in the Mount Vernon Inquirer
WCC and local chambers of commerce launch promising MYB $$eed Tank
A very enlightening and well-attended press conference was held at Westchester Community College (Mount Vernon Extension Center) on Thursday, December 3, to announce the launching of the Mount Vernon/Yonkers/Bronx (MYB) $$eed Tank Competition.
A coalition of business leaders in the chambers of commerce for Mount Vernon, Yonkers and the Bronx is partnering with Westchester Community College to create an invaluable competition and learning experience for early-stage business entrepreneurs.
The winner will receive a prize of up to $10,000 and entrance into the Westchester Community College Gateway to Entrepreneurship program of workshops this spring. Runners up will also benefit through invitation to the workshops. The winner will also have the opportunity to present his or her business concept at the GROW Conference, an annual business event that will be held at the college on April 29th next year.
Opening comments came from Derickson K. Lawrence, the catalyst behind the idea. “Our goal is to change the prospects for upward mobility,” said Lawrence. “But nurturing innovation and great ideas also help shape our future, and that’s why this partnership with Westchester Community College and the local chambers is so important.” Lawrence, a Mount Vernon resident, founded his company, MarketView Resources, in 2001. His company delivers banking products and payroll to large employers and their employee base across eight states.
Speaking after Lawrence was Francine Carl, Director of the Mount Vernon Extension Center. “Westchester Community College has had extension centers in Mount Vernon and in Yonkers for years, supporting local business and economic development through courses, training and collaboration,” said Carl.
Following Carl at the podium was Eridania Camacho, who will be the Director of the program. “This competition extends the college’s opportunity to introduce local aspiring or new business people to the college’s Gateway to Entrepreneurship program where training and networking can move them to the next stage.”
According to Lawrence, the local legislators and members of the business communities are enthused by this collaboration and injection of capital.
In attendance was Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, whose district includes Mount Vernon and Yonkers. “We need more of these opportunities to boost the local economy of the region,” said Pretlow.
Also speaking at the press conference was Rey Hollingsworth Falu, who represents the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce is excited about the opportunity to work with the $$eed Tank and support the next Mark Zuckenberg,” said Hollingsworth.
Other speakers included the Rev. Troy DeCohen and Kevin T. Cacace, President of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce.
Eligibility includes entrepreneurs from Mount Vernon, Yonkers and the Bronx with an early stage business concept that is scalable, sustainable and solves a problem.
Applications will be accepted from December 3, 2015 – January 5, 2016, and applicant interviews will be held January 6, 2016 – January 12, 2016. And a winner will be announced January 13, 2016.
How to apply: through link MYB $$eed Tank Application at www.sunywcc.edu.
Contacts:
Derickson Lawrence, CEO, MarketView – 914-548-0405
Francine Carl, Director, Mount Vernon Extension Center, WCC – 914-606-7214