Happy Holiday

All partners of the EDGE Center are invited to participate in the EDGE Center's shop at home program that started on Dec 1st thru Dec 24th. The EDGE Center is offering FREE gift wrapping to anyone who purchases their holiday gifts in Belle Glade, Pahokee, or South Bay.

Look for the signs at participating merchants through out the Tri-Cities area. All merchants can participate in this program by simply telling their customers that they can get their purchases wrapped for FREE at the EDGE Center at 241 W Ave A, Belle Glade.

In addition the EDGE Center is also a Toys for Tots collection Center and will be wrapping the toys for the kids. Please help those who are less fortunate by dropping off a new toy for a kid.

For more information or to make a Toys for Tots DONATION call 561-993-3343 ext 2.

Happy Holiday from the Board of Directors and Staff

Community Events Committee planning Annual “Glades Corny Fest” Oct 30&31

Historical Avenue A between 200 and 300 Blocks.

The Community Events Committee was formed on September 9,2009 and have been working very quickly to put together this years first community event.

This event will take place on Oct 30 & 31 on Historical Avenue A between the 200 and 300 block. From 10AM-7PM.

Plans are for 40 booths with local arts, crafts, and food. Local non-profit organizations are invited to inform and raise funds for their projects.

The Mariachi Mexico International Band will be performing as well as local step dancer teams. King Samuel Sounds will DJ the event.

There will be contests for all age groups.

Kids 7-15 can enter the “Draw the Muck Monster” contest 1st prize will be $100 dollars all participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Ages 7-12, 13-17, 18-? Corny Costume Contest – 1st place prize per category will be $100 2nd place will be $50

Ages 15-30 Corn Eating Contest 1st Place $100 2nd Place $50

Ages 30-? Cornbread recipe contest $1place $100

All ages Step Dancers competition 1place $100

All Booths will be judged for design and content. 1st place winner will be given free advertising for a year on the EDGE website.

Reservation for Booths will be accepted until 10/25 call 561-993-3343 ext 3 or 906-2612.

Sponsorships for contests are available. Ad's in program start at $25.00

Visit the website at www.cornyfest.com

Antkeria Smith and Paul Smith complete the EDGE Youth Entrepreneur Success program

At the EDGE Center's Social Reception held on August 7th, 2009, Antkeria Smith and Paul Smith students of the Youth Entrepreneur Success program were awarded a certificate of completion as well as other gifts provided by sponsors of the program.

The following is a list of the Sponsors and Donors who made this program and event a success:

Palm Beach County Economic Office
Bank of Belle Glade
Belle Glade Elks Club
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons
WSWN Sugar 900AM Radio
Palm Beach County Palm Tran
H & A Department Store
Jays Casual Fashions
Stitch works Plus
Omar's
Affordable Insurance
Miss Priss Boutique and Spa
Anthony's fine fashions
Potter's Garden
Fly-In Ranch Resort
Plant and Grow Nursery
George Boyer Enterprises
Performance Auto Services
Black Gold Steak House
McDonald's
Lake Hardware
True Value Hardware
Advance Auto Parts
Mr E the Magician
Donna Anderson - benefits auctioneer
Mary Evans - City of Belle Glade
Gwen Holley - City Council Member Belle Glade

The contributions by all of these businesses and individuals made it possible to fulfill the dreams of these young people who are planning their futures. We are all blessed to have a community that cares.

New Board Officers

The EDGE is very sad to say good-bye to two icons at the EDGE Center. Mr. Douglas Green and Reggie O'Connor.

Mr. Green and Mr. O'Connor have served on the EDGE Centers board since 1997. Their contributions to the growth of the EDGE is innumerable. We won't be able to replace their contributions to the Glades but we hope that we can build on them.

Three other board members have stepped up to fill their positions as secretary and treasurer on the board as well as an open position for vice chairperson.

Dr. James Klaber who has served as a volunteer mentor for the EDGE Center since 2006. He has helped organize workshops and numerous other training opportunities. He is the instructor for Path to Success program that is a fast track course that prepares a startup business for entry into the EDGE Center's Incubation program. Path to Success Courses are 8 week courses twice a week for 3 hours. The course teaches how to write your business plan, how to obtain financing, how to develop an agressive marketing plan. It also gives the clients the opportunity to test the feasibility of their ideas. He previously served as the incubator manager for the TED Center in Delray until he retired last April.

Mr. Paul Skyer- has served as a mentor for the EDGE for several years. He is the Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Resource Center in Riviera. He has assisted with many of our minority clients and enterprise zone applications.

Mr. Derrek Moore- has served as a member on the board since Jan 2009. He is currently the finance director for the City of Pahokee. Mr. Moore's financial guidance has kept the EDGE Center on track.

Raising funds for renovations

We are raising funds for the renovation of the Historical Belle Glade City Hall on Avenue A. This project started in April 2008 and due to the economy has had very slow progress because of the shortage of funding. We are prepared for a grant to pay for the majority of the work and now we need to raise the matching funds.

When you give $150 you will receive: a personally engraved 4x8 paver brick that will be placed in the walk way to the Historical Belle Glade Community Center and 2 dinner tickets to the August 6th Youth Entrepreneur Success Gala.

When you give $250 you will receive: a years business membership in the EDGE Centers partnership link program and an 8x8 engraved paver brick for your business, that will be placed in the walk way to the Historical Belle Glade Community Center and 2 VIP dinner tickets to the August 6th Youth Entrepreneur Success Gala.

We have made it easy for you to help by placing this link for receiving funds on this site.

Mia King turns 21

Mia and class mates celebrates with a cup cake for her 21st birthday at the EDGE Center Youth Entrepreneur Success (YES) training classes. Students are preparing to raise $50,000 to fund the EDGE Center training programs and to contribute to the remodeling of the Historical Belle Glade City Hall that will be used as a community incubation center. 30 students are currently learning how to raise funds using the state of the art high tech tools and techniques. Students are using proven technology to develop an online auction and are teaching business owners and individuals how to use their computers to market their products while contributing to their community.

Take a break.

It's time to take a break and get fit. Click here for an enjoyable 10 minute office break.

This summer YES project will include a 10 minute 'dance it off' exercise sessions to stimulate creative juices. Starting on June 16th - August 6th Join us on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30-11:45 for a lunch break networking exercise session and just take dance it off.

Spot Light on New Business Partners

Tim and Kelly McKee - The Harmack Company - 561-261-9909

• The McKee's have owned and operated a small business in the Glades since 1979. They are currently planning for changes to their business that will include the addition of 15 new employees.


• The Harmack Co. is a certified underground utility contracting company specializing in: site development and preparation, paving and grading and excavation.


• Their quality service and customer relations has created many return clients.
  

Besure to look for Tim and Kelly's engraved paver brick that will be placed in the walkway to the renovated Old City Hall.

Link to Map

Click here to learn how you can get a free engraved paver brick with your name and company name on it, and be remembered for your contribution to the renovation of the Historical Belle Glade City Hall building.

Youth Entrepreneur Success Orientation/Registration Workshop

May 27th 10AM

Workshop will be held at the EDGE Center at 241 W Ave A, Belle Glade, FL

This workshop is for youth ages 18-24and potential sponsors to learn about the upcoming 8 week summer Youth training program that will start on June 16th-Aug 16.

The program will teach students how to organize their lives, manage their time and money, and start a technological business.

Student will have a chance to earn: a new laptop computer, win a educational scholarship, a certificate of competency, continue developing a new business, social networking and cash.

Sponsors will benefit from advertising their businesses, community recognition, learning about new technology, and meeting potential new employees and clients.

Attendance at one of these meetings is mandatory for attendance to the classes.

Current Affiliates: PBCC, Workforce Alliance, Palm Beach Loan Fund, Palm Beach EDO.

For more information visit the program webpage.

To type to a live human or leave a message click here.

To Call us click here.

Business Social and Art Exhibit- March 31st

Pamela J. Patterson owner of Community Arts and Crafts, Inc will exhibit her art at this months Business Social that will be held at the EDGE Center.

Community Art and Crafts, Inc. is a company devoted to promoting communities through artistic events. They develop and implement programs and events that uplift, inspire and promote. They work with communities that have been traumatized by natural or human disasters to restore a sense of pride and hope.

The programs that are offered are used to bring communities together to create without expectations. We want communities to have a chance to lose themselves in something that is not only fun but inspirational. It is important that a community that is going through a difficult time realizes that this too shall pass.

Community Art and Crafts, Inc. is a company born of a need to brighten the outlook of those who need it most. We strive to inspire and promote communities through the visual arts.

The program also focuses on bringing awareness to diabetes and how to live with it. Visit Pamela's website

The topic of discussion will be "Hi-tec ways of Social Networking to market your business"

This will be a very uplifting event and the EDGE is excited about hosting it. Please mark your calendar today and plan to attend to show your Community Support. RSVP please. This helps with planning for enough good things to eat.

March 31st at 241 W Avenue A from 3PM-6PM.

Grapevine Forum Topic

Business owners and donors BEWARE - Belle Glade/South Bay Post Your News - Florida Post Your News Forums - Newszap Forums

Rural Enterprise Zone Benefits

If your business is located in Belle Glade, Pahokee, or South Bay and you have hired new employees call us today and learn how you can receive upto $6,000 to train your new employees.

561-993-3343 ext 102.

Main Street Project

The EDGE Board is proposing to partner with the Florida Main Street program to produce a Community Plan for revitalization of all of the Historical Downtown Areas of Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay and Canal Point.

Learn how our Communities and your businesses can benefit from this program attend a meeting on Thursday March 26th at Belle Glade City Hall at 3PM.

Click here to learn more about the Florida Main Street program.

We can't do this without you so please mark your calendar today so you don't miss this very important meeting.

If you need assistance with transportation to this event please call 561-993-3343 ext 102. 

Palm Beach County Stimulus Projects 2010

http://www.pbcgov.com/pubInf/Agenda/20090224/5a1.pdf

How to Start A Business

There are many ways to start a business. Here's the way we recommend. It's called the "Business Overview." It's quicker and easier than the business plan, yet still outlines the essentials while avoiding "business plan paralysis" which keeps a goodly number of great ideas from ever getting started.

THE OVERVIEW

#1. Start with a MISSION STATEMENT. This describes the business. What you do. Why it's done. What makes your business unique. Clue: Is it something better, cheaper, faster? Why a customer/client wants to do business with you. The benefit to the consumer. Your statement becomes a guide for the direction and decisions you make regarding your business and the future of your company. Clue: Avoid general statements like "We give good service." Instead, use specific statements like "We train our staff in the latest customer service methods."

#2. Follow with a STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. This describes your vision; in essence, a description of your business when it has reached its full potential. Project a time 5 years into the future.Include things like revenue, number of staff or personnel, location of office(s), activities, reputation, recognition, plus your lifestyle, perks, benefits and outside interests. Don't hold back. Be willing to dream.

#3. Follow with a POSITION REVIEW. Where you are with your business idea at this moment in time. Include things like how much money you have to start your business; how much money you will have available each month to invest in your business until it starts making a profit; the source of future capital: friends, relatives, loans, investors. What you see as the next step(s) in the development of your business. How you plan to accomplish the next step(s). Clue: What assistance are you likely to need for your business?

#4. Follow with a BIOGRAPHY of yourself and partners, if any. Include particulars about experience relating to your business and any talents, skills and attributes you have that you may not be using. Be willing to be immodest, List your strengths and weaknesses. Clue: Include areas where you think you might need assistance in owning and operating a business.


Visit Sta.rtUp.Biz - The Small Business Social Network

Business Survey

The EDGE Center is collecting business data to help develop a new economic plan for Western Palm Beach. The plan will be presented to the Palm Beach County Commission to assist with planning and financing of new infrastructure (streets, lighting, sewers, bridges, sidewalks, parks, recreation, street scape's) in Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay and Canal Point.
For many years the people of the Glades have complained that they didn't get their fair share of County financing to make the improvements needed to encourage economic development. The EDGE needs your help in collecting the information needed to justify County financial assistance. You can help by filling out the attached survey form online when we receive your input we will send you a $25.00 gift certificate that can be redeemed at participating retailers in the Glades.

SURVEY click here.

Main Street Project hosted by suzi.harper.

Join now

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Chat about what's on your mind. More about public chats.

Business Development Breakfast

Do you want to start or expand a business in the Glades then we have a new way to meet new clients and market your business.

Beginning on March 4, 2009 the EDGE will be holding Business Development Breakfast on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-8:30 through out 2009, at various restaurants in Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee. You can check our calendar for the locations.

The agendas will include a variety of educational topic guest speakers, an introductions contest, and product and services exhibits.

The price for breakfast and this opportunity is $15.00 and includes your tip.

DO you want to showcase your business? Visit the website for details on how you can become one of our guest speakers or showcase your business.  You must register 6 weeks before showtime.  So call 561-993-3343 ext 102 or email edgemgr@gmail.com 

Business Loan Fund Partners with Incubators

The Business Loan Fund of the Palm Beaches has partnered with the Palm Beach County Business Incubator programs to assist in providing funding for expanded business education programs.

The four incubation organizations consists of the EDGE Center, Inc in Belle Glade, The TED Center in Delray, The BEDR in Rivera, and BRIC in North Lake.

The programs will offer coordinated training programs for startup and expanding business owners in areas of business planning marketing and financing.
The plan is to leverage the abilities of the Loan Fund with the Incubators expertise to obtain more grant funding for the programs so that more secure businesses and jobs will be created.

The initial training program will begin in Riviera where BEDR and the BRIC staff members will provide the talent for this program . The program is being particially funded by a grant from the Quantum Grant Fund and Palm Beach County Economic Development Office.

The program is offered in areas of economic concern to skilled and motivated individuals who think they want to start or expand a business. The times, dates and curriculum will be announced soon. Be sure to signup for notification.

Now is the time to start or expand your business and the Palm Beach County Incubators can help make those dreams become reality. Learn how partnering with a community incubator can extend the life of your business by visiting us at 241 W Ave A Belle Glade call (561)993-3343 for an appointment.