First Friday Success Stories: Crusaders For Change, LLC

May 5, 2017

This is an ongoing installment of First Friday Success Stories. On the first Friday of every month, we will feature an area business that has worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselor housed at the AAEDC office in Annapolis. The SBDC counselor is on hand to assist local entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses.

Client Name/Owner: Shay Cook
Name of Business: Crusaders For Change, LLC
Type of Business: Financial Counselor and Educator
SBDC Counselor: Candace Pruett
Website: www.crusaders4change.org

 

Our featured May story is a special one as today, May 5, marks the one year anniversary for C4C!
Mrs. Shay Cook has a passion for empowering and equipping women, men and children with the tools (resources – knowledge, skills, etc.) needed to become financial self-sufficient in their communities through financial literacy events and financial counseling. Mrs. Cook is an Accredited Financial Counselor and is working on becoming a Financial Fitness Coach.

Mrs. Cook reached out to the SBDC in the beginning stages of starting her business, Crusaders for Change (C4C). Her SBDC consultant, Mrs. Candace Pruett, went over the importance of obtaining business liability insurance, recommended setting up an accounting system, reviewed the company website and offered suggestions and SEO tips. Candace also guided Mrs. Cook through the beginning stages of the government procurement process including the WOSB/EDWOSB certification through the SBA along with the MBE/DBE/SBE certifications through MDOT.

Ms. Cook has officially started her business by obtaining her first client, Habitat America, which C4C is now an official vendor. She has also obtained her MBE/DBE/SBE certification from MDOT. The client is continuing to grow and expand her business.
Mrs. Cook had the opportunity to participate in the V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship) training program operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University in partnership with the S.B.A. that also assisted in accelerating her business growth.

Ms. Cook is continuing to meet with her SBDC Consultant, Candace Pruett, on a regular basis. She will begin to work with SBDC’s sister program PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) as she finishes her capabilities statement and ready to pursue state and federal contracts. Ms. Cook states, “Candace has been wonderful to work with so far. She is so knowledgeable and helpful.”

To learn more about C4C, please visit their website at www.crusaders4change.org.

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