Deadline extended for CEC letters of intent
Date Posted: 9/7/2010
Ready to take your economic development strategy to the next level?
Increasingly, communities in Western North Carolina and across the country are recognizing the value of entrepreneurism as a strong foundationfor economic growth. Risk-taking entrepreneurs are often those whose innovations drive the economy forward. Larger industries frequently consider the area’s entrepreneurial environment when choosing a location, acknowledging its positive impact.
That’s why AdvantageWest developed the Certified Entrepreneurial CommunitySM program, aiming to help communities create a culture of rich resources for entrepreneurs.
To earn status as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, communities must complete a rigorous 5-step program. In Western North Carolina, we are proud to say that Haywood, Transylvania, Watauga, Polk, Burke and Mitchell counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have all earned CEC designation.
Your Western North Carolina community can earn CEC designation, too. Here’s how to get started:
1. SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT (Deadline extended to October 27): Send AdvantageWest an official letter of intent, indicating your community’s interest in pursuing CEC certification. Email letter to Pam Lewis, AdvantageWest’s Sr. VP of Entrepreneurial Development, at or mail to Pam at AdvantageWest, 134 Wright Brothers Way, Fletcher NC 28732.
2. ATTEND CEC LEADERSHIP TRAINING, November 3-5: AdvantageWest will conduct a 2½-day training session that will provide details about getting started and completing the rigorous 5-step process of certification. (Training is also appropriate for communities that have started, but not completed, the CEC process.) Speakers include Deb Markley of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, presenting the Energizing Entrepreneurs, or e2, program, a training tool used across the country and beyond to help communities achieve their entrepreneurial development goals. Representatives of WNC communities that have received certification will share challenges and successes. Note: Location to be announced.
3. GET MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the benefits and requirements of the CEC program, or to schedule a presentation to key community leaders about the CEC process, contact Pam Lewis or call 828.273.8295.
For more information about the Certified Entrepreneur Community program or to register for CEC Leadership Training, contact Pam Lewis or call 828.273.8295
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Did you know...
o The US Small Business Administration has invested significantly in AdvantageWest’s entrepreneurial programs–evidence of a belief that focusing on small business is a powerful part of a sustainable economy.
o The rate of entrepreneurial startups in WNC is higher than the average in North Carolina, which exceeds the national average.
o The AdvantageWest CEC initiative was the first program in the country to certify communities as “entrepreneur-ready.”
o The CEC initiative was presented twice before Congress and has since been recognized at the National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education.
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Testimonial
In an effort to respond to the diverse economic development needs of North Carolina, then State Representative Martin Nesbitt introduced legislation creating the regional economic development partnerships. It was this extraordinary insight that allowed AdvantageWest to become one of the most innovative and nimble economic development programs in the state.
Gordon S. Myers
Founding Chair
AdvantageWest Board of Directors
Amanda Baranski
, Executive Assistant & Assistant Corporate Secretary
AdvantageWest
134 Wright Brothers Way
Fletcher, NC 28732
ph. 828-687-7234
fx. 828-687-7552
Email Amanda Baranski
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