When you ask Bloom owner Alisha Crutchfield what life has been like since graduating from the Quinnipiac University – ConnCORP Entrepreneurship Program, she sums it up easily.
“It's been crazy busy and great in every sense of the word,” Crutchfield said.
She is the owner of Bloom, a community gathering space, bakery, and flower shop.
More than a dozen minority, veteran, and women business owners went through a nine-month program to help strengthen their businesses. They learned about marketing, finance, business planning and grant writing from Quinnipiac professors and community business leaders.
“We know that a lot of small business owners and entrepreneurs are passionate and working in their field, but the other side of things gets a little hazy for them,” says Entrepreneur. said Jakiba Morgan, director of the program. Training at ConnCORP
“Working with Quinnipiac faculty has been truly amazing. Professors from a variety of disciplines have provided me with the content I need to establish a strong foundation in business,” Morgan added.
The program is funded by a two-year, $406,000 grant from the Federal Small Business Association.
“The businesses we're working on today show what we can do and what the SBA can do in partnership with the community to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This is a great example,” said Kathryn Marx, district director of the SBA's Connecticut District Office. Broome in New Haven's Westville neighborhood.
Mr. Marx and Sen. Richard Blumenthal met Thursday with Mr. Crutchfield and alumnus Evelyn Massey, who owns Noir Vintage Clothing.
“It basically helped me create my business plan, which I knew nothing about,” Massey said. “And basically we just operate a brick-and-mortar store.”
Massey was able to open the store immediately after completing the program last summer. At the front of the store she sells vintage clothing in styles from the 1920s to the 1950s, and in the back, a more up-to-date section displays clothing from the 1980s to the 2000s. I am.
A second set of 20 business owners is currently participating in the program, but the grant ends in May.
“We need more federal funding for these types of programs because there is so much talent, so many good ideas, so many job and entrepreneurship opportunities,” Blumenthal said. Ta.
Morgan said ConnCORP is raising money in hopes of operating a third group next year.
Crutchfield hopes the free program continues for others as it is an invaluable resource.
“That in itself is a reason why more business owners, especially black and brown business owners, should get involved.”
