Empowering Entrepreneurs: Regions Foundation Invests $75,000 in National Entrepreneur Center Programs
“The Climb” women’s business conference was March 30 in Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. March 30, 2022 – The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit organization funded primarily by Regions Bank, on March 30, 2022, announced a $75,000 grant to the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) in Orlando, Florida, to support entrepreneurial training programs, including specific programs for women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation provided the grant to expand the NEC training initiatives being conducted in neighborhood community centers throughout Orange County. Small businesses make up more than 90% of Florida’s economy and employ nearly half of the state’s private sector workforce.
“The Regions Foundation recognized the value of our ongoing business-building programs and has provided the critical resources to allow us to continue providing tools to our entrepreneurial community,” said Jerry Ross, president of the National Entrepreneur Center. “The first of these targeted training programs is a women’s business conference entitled ‘The Climb’ which will take place March 30 at the NEC.”
“The Climb” conference attendees will receive tips and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and learn how to obtain woman-owned business certification. Registration is available here.
In addition to these place-based programs, the NEC recently launched BizLink Orange to provide easy online access to over 60 nonprofit resource partners throughout Central Florida. Aspiring entrepreneurs now have easy access to one-on-one business coaching, business education, or a business calendar of events from anywhere at any time.
“Despite being one of the most entrepreneurial states in the country, many of Florida’s smallest businesses still have difficulty finding and accessing the tools that are so critical to their growth and success,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “By partnering with proven organizations like the National Entrepreneur Center, we can leverage resources to help local businesses overcome obstacles while creating more inclusive prosperity in the communities we serve.”
“To grow a dynamic small-business community, you have to plant and nurture the seeds of opportunity,” said Ross. “By taking our resources directly into our underserved communities and providing programs specifically addressed to developing practical business ideas, we are growing our economic garden exponentially. This is economic development through small-business development.”
About the National Entrepreneur Center:
The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is home to 16 independent business support organizations, all with a single mission: to accelerate the growth and development of small businesses throughout Central Florida. The center offers a variety of services, including one-on-one business coaching, business seminars, networking events, and assistance for international trade, most of which are provided at no cost to business owners. Additionally, the BizLink Orange online platform, which is powered by the NEC, (www.bizlinkorange.com), provides fast and easy access to over 60 non-profit organizations, free resources and tools for start-up and established businesses. For more information visit http://nationalec.org
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About Regions Foundation:
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
