Entrepreneur Academy student awarded grant funding from Visions Credit Union

Student Receives Award Check. From left to right Hillary Wilcox, Branch Manager at Visions Credit Union Norwich, Student James Hill, DCMO BOCES District Superintendent, Perry T. Dewey, and Career & Technical Education Director Jennifer Waite. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - Welding student James Hill was awarded a $500 seed grant from Visions Credit Union for his business plan and to support his new business venture.

Hill joined the first program of the DCMO BOCES Entrepreneur Academy.

The program welcomed 12 students to a hands-on business planning experience guided by Instructor Martha Ryan.

The 4-week workshop concluded with an opportunity for students to compete to receive a $500 Seed Grant, sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union.

Hilary Wilcox, Branch Manager at Visions’ Norwich office, commented on their support of the program. “We are excited to be able to interact with local entrepreneurs and give them an opportunity to not only build their business plans but present them and explain what sets them apart.”

Hill opened his small business, James Welding and Fabrication, to serve individuals with welding repairs or new fabrication. With a base located in Oxford, New York, Hill plans are to pursue full-time his business venture this summer after he graduates from the DCMO BOCES Welding Program. “This is great news and so on time,” said Hill when receiving the news of his award.

Visions Federal Credit Union’s involvement went beyond the sponsorship. Wilcox also presented to students through pre-recorded interviews on the topics of financial fitness, planning your idea, and building a relationship with lenders. “We had the opportunity to use different scenarios to demonstrate the importance of preparing the business financials separate from the personal and also how to benefit from a good relationship with a lender you trust,” said Wilcox.

Ryan shared her excitement about the program by saying, “The diversity of ideas, student background, and business concepts became an open canvas to design multiple tools to help everyone.”

The four-week program provided two scholarships to benefit female entrepreneurs and also CTE graduates exploring a business idea. “Funding from the Foundation of South Central New York and the BOCES CTE Graduates fund removed the financial barrier to affording the program. Their gratitude was demonstrated with their efforts and commitment to the program,” said Ryan

Career & Technical Education Director, Jennifer Waite, commented, “We are filling a need in the community to prepare graduates and adult learners to explore business development.”

Responding to multiple requests to hold another workshop, the DCMO BOCES Entrepreneur Academy will offer a four-week virtual program starting March 1st to March 25th.

Information about the program can be found at www.dcmoboces.com and may be requested by email to ryanm@dcmoboces.com.

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