Talbot County Announces Business Academy Graduates

The Talbot County Council awarded graduation certificates to 15 participants in the inaugural Talbot Works Business Academy on Tuesday, April 9, at their regular meeting. The cohort of business owners recently completed an 8-week entrepreneurship course that was sponsored by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The program was made possible by a grant from the Maryland Rural Economic Development Fund through the Mid-Shore Regional Council and developed by consulting firm WHC, a Baltimore-based consulting company that offers business capital, coaching, and operational solutions to emerging companies.

The 15-member cohort was required to meet the program’s guidelines for inclusion in the class, including having the ability to scale their operations, hire people, and have a positive impact on their community.

“These graduates now have a better understanding of their financial reports, a budget for their growth, and a plan to pursue opportunities to attract new clients and access capital from lenders and investors,” says Talbot County Councilwoman Keasha Haythe. “They serve as positive examples to other individuals seeking to grow their businesses in Talbot County and are fine examples of how our collective investments pay high dividends in the way of more jobs and empowered businesses.

“We know that this program works. It does expand businesses, and it does produce jobs,” she says. “Certainly, economic development is one of my priorities and I am happy to have been part of initiating the program. I commend my County Council colleagues for supporting this initiative. I am elated to see this program come to fruition and for the first cohort to complete this program.”

Participants were required to attend and participate in each class; submit weekly homework assignments; meet with senior advisors; meet two times each with the program’s law, accounting, and human resources mentors; present cash flow projections; and give a final 15-minute PowerPoint presentation detailing their plans for business growth.

“I am proud of the work this class of business owners put into the Talbot Works Business Academy,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “This program links the latest ideas with timeless business principles to show participants how to increase revenue and sales, manage expenses, add jobs, create a sustainable business model, and prepare to access capital.”

The Talbot Works Business Academy’s Inaugural Graduates Are:

Dr. James Bell Jr., Bell Education Solutions, LLC
Tamara Foote, Total Body Wellness
Kimberly Hardesty, Salon Inspire
Gregory Harris, Harris Event Security
Amy and Dave Keller, Aging at Home Solution
Andre Gibson Jr., Shore Awareness Self-Defense
Tyvon Horsey and Tina Skinner, Royal “T” Catering
Alan Lynch, Portside Grille Caterers
Michelle Moaney, Every Voice Counts Rehabilitation Services
Brandon Morgan, East Coast Poly Solutions
Anna Miller, Trade Whims
Dontele Pinder, Helen and Rae’s Kitchen for the Soul
Barbara Ranson, Oxford Vintage & Trade
Tam Vu, Helen’s Nail Salon
Jaime Windon, Lyon Rum // Windon Distilling

Each graduate also will receive a $2,000 grant to reinvest in their business, with the funding coming from an anonymous donor. They’ll report on their business growth over the coming years, including increased revenue and the number of jobs they’ve added.

A second cohort will begin in the fall starting on Tuesday, September 10, with up to 15 candidates chosen. Session topics include building sustainable organizational infrastructure; leading people and planning for growth; marketing and selling B2G, B2B, and B2C; accounting, human resources, legal, taxes, and insurance; and preparing for capital and essential financial documentation.

Talbot County business owners who are selected for the second cohort will be invited to a 15-minute interview via Zoom, with registration to be announced at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.