Small Business Training Program celebrates 50th Graduation Ceremony

FORT MYERS, Fla. - June 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Fourteen aspiring small business owners are now one step closer to success after graduating from the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Instute in Cape Coral on May 26.  The ceremony took place at The City of Cape Coral's Public Works Building (815 Nicholas Pkwy E.).  The graduation was the 50^th in the brief history of the program, which started in 2010.

The Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute is a training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a 12-module business and management training course over the course of six weeks, and work with mentors who are successful local businesspersons.  The program is operated by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

The Cape Coral graduates received certificates symbolizing their completion of the small business training course. The MicroEnterprise program utilizes the Operation Jump Start curriculum, created and designed by the Kauffman Foundation.

The Cape Coral graduates were: Darlene Bunting, Thomas Bunting, Jeremiah Darrow, Claunesha Irons, Jerry Johnson, Anthony Lawson, Eduardo Lonsdale, Pedro Mateo, Cassandra Miller, Laureen Morris, Jessica Newton, Juanarethia Rodriguez, Michael Slater, and Elba Torres.  Their businesses range from marketing and branding, house cleaning, and massage therapy to marine detailing and ice cream delivery.

"This class has given me the tools, resources, support, and the self-confidence I need to succeed," said Miller, who spoke at the graduation ceremony.  "Wish it, dream it, do it!"

Jessica Cosden, Dist. 7 Cape Coral City Commissioner, was the commencement speaker.  Cosden grew up in an entrepreneurial family: Her grandfather started Penguin Pools in 1980, and her father is a consultant for the local business.

Since 2010, Goodwill's MicroEnterprise program has honored 475 graduates across Southwest Florida.  In Cape Coral alone, 39 small businesses have been either created or sustained through the program.

Thanks to an economic development grant from the City of Cape Coral, The Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute plans another Cape Coral session for August.  To apply for the program, or for more information, please visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise or (239) 995-2106 ext. 2219.

The Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute is administered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and is part of Goodwill's mission to serve people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  Other Goodwill programs include Job-Link centers, disability-accessible housing, and the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy, a charter school for students with intellectual disabilities.

Additional funding for the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute comes from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

Established in 1966, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is celebrating its 50^th year of serving our community. For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.