New program to help laid-off workers start own businesses

Posted on 20/9/5/13

SOURCE: WARREN RECORD

A new program is now available to helplaid-off rural workers start their own small business. The program isoffered as part of a U.S. Department of Labor demonstration calledProject GATE, or Growing America Through Entrepreneurship.

GATEtargets dislocated workers from rural counties for a variety ofassistance directly related to starting and running a business. "Thisprogram has the potential to do far more than provide a source ofincome for individuals who've lost jobs," said Billy Ray Hall,president of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. "It can helpus build homegrown economies in struggling communities all across thestate."

Rural unemployment can be attributed in large part tocontinuing layoffs and closings by textile, furniture and othertraditional manufacturers. With other jobs scarce, self-employment mayhelp keep rural workers''in their' communities". That potential isreflected in "the growing numbers of dislocated workers expressinginterest in creating their own job or small business, Hall said.

Project GATE will operate as a scholarship program, with up to 750scholarships likely to be awarded in North Carolina. Selectedindividuals will be eligible for individual assessment ofentrepreneurial skills, business and entrepreneurship courses, andfocused, one-on- one business counseling.

Participants also will beintroduced to a statewide network of business resource professionals.Those who complete workable business plans will be eligible to applyfor microenterprise loans. The program, however, will not award grantsto individuals or businesses.

In North Carolina, Project GATE is beingoffered as a cooperative venture of the N.C. Department of Commerce,the N.C. Community College System - Small Business Center Network, theEmployment Security Commission of North Carolina, North Carolina REALEnterprises, local JobLink Career Centers and the Rural Center.

TheSmall Business Centers of eight community colleges, which serve 13rural counties, are partnering with their local JobLink Career Centersto provide GATE services. Dislocated workers in other rural countiesmay participate through a "virtual site" that includes counseling bytelephone and online training programs combined with training andbusiness counseling at local community colleges.

Interested individuals should visit their local JobLink Career Center, which will helpdetermine eligibility. Applications will be available at the JobLinkoffice and online at www.ncprojectgate. org. Additional information maybe obtained online or by phone toll-free at 1-877-9NCGATE.

SOURCE: WARREN RECORD