ECONOMY

our GOAL

Advance economic growth through resilient industries and workforce development.

OUR STRATEGy

Engage community in the revision of the 2021-2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Cultivate relationships and leverage assets to build and implement creative and innovative policies, partnerships, and economic initiatives

Provide training and incubate a network of community-driven, government-supported Resilience Hubs

Develop resources for workforce training

Create opportunities for youth in partnership with business and academia

BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT

An 8 week course designed to build local capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and have the people and systems infrastructure in place to receive monies geared towards helping community bounce forward.

Each Monday, you will receive a digital packet to complete. Have questions? Join us Thursday mornings at 8:00 for a Zoom coffee hour.

Each Week at a Glance:
Week 1: Why, Core Values, Vision & Mission
Week 2: Business Model & Company Description
Week 3: Market Analysis & Opportunity; ABCD
Week 4: Competitive Analysis; Finding Your Edge
Week 5: Structure, Operations & Team
Week 6: Costs & Leveraging Financial Capital
Week 7: Branding, Marketing & Hustle
Week 8: Short- & Long-Term Goals; Framework for Action

At the end of this series, participants will have developed a comprehensive business plan. There is no fee to participate.

Our Team

Ashley Kierkiewicz

Chair

Ashley Kierkiewicz is a policy maker who leverages her experience in communication, outreach, and grassroots organizing to make local government more accessible. She works to build economic resilience through bold vision, good policy, community empowerment, and coordinated, meaningful action.

Farrah-Marie Gomes

Co-Chair

Farrah-Marie Gomes is an education administrator with a passion for and experience in building community capacity through partnerships and collaborations.