Local Entrepreneurs Complete 8-week Business Development Course
December 2015 graduating class
(SARASOTA) – A Community Entrepreneur Opportunity (CEO) program graduation and reception will be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 6-8:00 p.m. at CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota. The event is to acknowledge and congratulate 12 CEO graduates for completion of the 8-week Introduction to Business Development Course. Since 2005, there have been 206 graduates of the CEO program. Sponsors and community partners include CareerSource Suncoast, City of Sarasota, Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, Sarasota County, SCORE, SunTrust Foundation, and Wells Fargo.
As part of the ceremonial event, each graduate will make his or her “business pitch” with businesses ranging from technology application to gymnasium and sports operations. Included in the program will be Sarasota based Voalte co-founder Oscar Callejas and City of Sarasota Commissioner Susan Chapman.
Prize money will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for most likely businesses to succeed. The panel of seasoned “business pitch” judges include Dr. Jean Kabongo, Associate Professor at USF Sarasota-Manatee; Thomas Gardner, General Partner at KeyView Venture Capital & Private Equity at KeyView and Angel Investor at BRIDGE; and Linda Jellison, Angel Investor at BRIDGE.
CEO course instructor Dr. Anita Rose, Talent Development Manager for CareerSource Suncoast, guided learners through the 8-week program. Dr. Rose has extensive experience assisting hundreds of entrepreneurs, from new venture formation to business development and managing innovative growth. “I am committed to prosperity and business growth in our community,” Rose said. One-on-one mentoring and consulting has been provided by SCORE and Florida SBDC at USF.
This event is open to the public. For more information about the program or this event, please call (941) 365-2200, ext. 3220.
About CareerSource Suncoast
CareerSource Suncoast is a non-profit dedicated to providing education and tools for employers and job-seekers. Our mission is to recruit, train and retain talent for employers on the Suncoast. An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
