GATE program could offer help

Posted on 20/9/5/22

SOURCE: RICHMOND COUNTY DAILY JOURNAL

If you are among the many dislocated workersin the county, Kathryn McEntire with Project GATE may be able to helpyou find an alternative career path as a business owner.

"GATE standsfor Growing America Through Entrepreneurship. It is a cooperativeventure between several agencies to offer individuals assistance instarting a business," McEntire said. "Persons selected can continuereceiving unemployment benefits while attending Richmond CommunityCollege's Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning Program todevelop a business plan and determine whether their ideas are viable.The scholarship component covers tuition for the REAL program and forvocational and business courses related to their business plans."

Participants with workable business plans can apply to the N.C. RuralCenter's Microenterprise Loan Program for start-up capital.

McEntire islocated at the Employment Security Commission JobLink Center andcounsels individuals about the risks and benefits of starting abusiness. "It's difficult at first and your income is less until youget established, but it is a wonderful opportunity to become your ownboss. It's also a way to stay in the county and build our communities,"she said.

Both McEntire and ESC Manager Judy Carpenter expect thebusinesses will center around the service, hospitality, or tourismindustries. Carpenter said she has not seen a cooperative venture likethis in a long time. She hopes the businesses will grow over the yearsand employee three or fair more people.

GATE partners are the N.C,Depirtment of Commerce, RCC's Small Bushess Center, the ESC JobLink,and the S.C. Rural Economic Development Center. You can visit McEntireat the ESC officer or call her at 997-9180.

SOURCE: RICHMOND COUNTY DAILY JOURNAL