Capital Gazette Highlights AAEDC Inclusive Ventures Program & Two Recent Graduates

November 16, 2021

The Capital Gazette published the following front page story on the Inclusive Ventures Program:

Anne Arundel minority business owners receive $5,000, explore how to grow in seven-week master class

The story focused on the experiences of and featured commentary from two of the eleven business owners to graduate from the program: Emily Tomasini, founder and owner of Annapolis-based Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake, and Shay Cook, owner of Crusaders for Change in Odenton.

“A lot of what they really focused in on was just nuts and bolts of your business which you don’t often get to stop and reflect on as a small business owner,” said Tomasini. “You’re kind of caught up in the day-to-day and putting out fires. It’s rare that I, as a small business owner raising a family, find the time to say ‘OK, so what’s my five year growth plan and why is my pricing what it is.’”

“Usually, I’m the only woman or the only woman of color,” said Cook. “It was nice to be alongside other people that look like me.”

The article also featured commentary from AAEDC Business Development Keasha Haythe, who led the development of and helps run IVP. One excerpt includes:

Haythe said a particular challenge these business owners face is having enough capital to grow the business, and that’s an issue that affects the whole community as the growth of small local business directly benefits the county and state. She said it’s important to help owners understand their financials and get to a specific place to be able to access more money.

“From there they can expand, not only in Anne Arundel County, but to other locations and they can create jobs,” Haythe said.

Finally, it concluded with a quote from Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, who congratulated the graduates at their virtual final day:

“Pirate Adventures is one of my favorite things to do with my kids. It gets us out on the water,” said recently re-elected Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “Congratulations to everybody — thank you for your hard work, for your small business, and for employing people.”

 

Introduced by AAEDC in January 2021, IVP aims to help small and minority-, women-, and Veteran-owned businesses in Anne Arundel County succeed and grow by providing their owners with the resources that early-stage entrepreneurs so often lack: business education and training, access to capital, and mentorship.

To learn more, visit the Inclusive Ventures Program page.

 

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