Happy Holidays and a Safe New Year

The Staff and Board of The EDGE Center, Inc a non-profit business incubator and resource center in Belle Glade, Florida wishes you and your families a Happy Holiday and Safe New Year.

The Center will be closed for the Holiday from December 24th through December 31st.

Suzanne Harper-Executive Director
Javier Tejada-Incubator Manager
Marian McGhee-Receptionist

Betty Boyer-Chairwoman
Douglas Green-Treasurer
Reggie O'Connor-Secretary
Mary Lee Hickson-Vice Chairwoman
Liz Cayson-past Chairwoman

Entrepreneur of the YEAR 2007

The Entrepreneur of the Year committee has outlined the qualifications for the Entrepreneur of the YEAR award. Plans are underway for the February 7th, 2008 Awards Banquet and online to live auction.

The following Sponsorships are now being offered:

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsor $500 per auction event
Includes 4 VIP Dinner tickets for the banquet, front page advertising on the online auction and 5000 emails, newsletter , radio, and other numerous medias. Entry into a special VIP drawing. Includes annual partnership member at the EDGE Center.

Donations of items and services for the online auction are be accepted online at www.edgeonlineauction.com.
Donations in the value of $250. per auction will receive 2 VIP Dinner Tickets for the Banquet, Front page and catalog advertising on the online auction, 2500 emails, radio and other numerous medias.
Donations in the value of $125 per auction will receive 1 VIP Dinner Ticket, front page and catalog advertising on the online auction, 1250 emails, radio and other numerous medias.

Consignment of goods for the online and live auction are being accepted from partnership members at 50% of the selling price.

Tickets for the awards banquet are on sale at www.edgeonlineauction.com for $50.00 per couple.
Tables for 8 for the awards banquet are available for $200. Buy your tickets early because only 200 Tickets will be sold. Buy your tickets online or call the EDGE Center at 561-933-3343.

The Awards Banquet is going to be a Black Tie Event that will be held at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Feb 7th, 2008 at 6PM-10PM

6PM-7PM Open Bar

Program will include:Special Guest Speaker-Presentation of Awards
Local Entertainment
An Online to Live Auction Event
A Live Fashion Show

Current Sponsors include:Royal's Dept Stores
Plant and Grow Nursery
Boyer Emergency Services
Harper's Fly-In Ranch

Call today and add your name to the list of Community Supporters. 561-993-3343

Javier's Big O' 110 mile Hike

The Hike begins on Saturday November 17th, 2007 and end on November 25, 2007. To help motivate Javier on his journey check back or signup to receive posting and give your supporting comments.

Good Luck Javier from all of your supporters.

Omar's Urban Clothing, MODA by Matari, Anthony's Fine Fashions, Missouri Dept Store, Plant and Grow Nursery, Inc. , Boyer Emergency Services, Inc., Gene Bryan Enterprises, Management Support, Little Hands Learning Center, Harper's Fly-In Ranch Resort, Todd Realty, Inc.

More sponsors will be added along the journey.

Youth Entrepreneur Success Auction Starts Oct 1st

The second of three YES online Auctions starts Oct 1, 2007 and ends Oct 31, 2007. Your help is needed to make this community project work.

The EDGE Center-a non-profit business incubator and resource center has developed a program to help stop the drop out rate in Western Palm Beach County.

This program is designed to teach senior students how to organize their lives, manage their money and to motivate them to start a new technology business with the assistance of mentors.

The program will also assist the motivated students with financial and technological assistance.

In other words students will have to demonstrate the ability to succeed and this will be done by graduating high school and planning for the future.

What we need to make this program successful is for anyone who wants to support their community to go to our online auction at http://www.yesonlineauction.com and either donate an item, sponsor and item, tell a friend, or bid on an item.

Any and all contributions are 100% tax deductible. It you are a business this is an opportunity to show your community support while marketing your business.

Please check out our website at http://www.edgecenter.info for more information on the Youth Entrepreneur Success program.

If the internet isn't your thing please call us at 561-993-3343 and a consultant will be glad to help with your contribution.

September Workshop Calendar

This month promises to be a very exciting month with lots of interesting workshops. To view and print a copy of our calendar click on this link http://www.google.com/calendar/render?tab=wc&pli=1

Seating is limited so please call 561-993-3343 to make a reservation. Lunch will be provided at lunch time workshops.

Services Provided by a Business Incubation Center

Incubation- Business Training, Business Plan Writing, Feasibility Studies, Research, Professional Guidance by experienced Consultants.

Professional Certifications- Computerized testing for professionals who want to expand their career marketability. FAA Testing, TSA Testing, Food Managers, Independent College and thousands of others.

Marketing Plans- Guidance and use of online auction marketing. Mass emailing lists, mailing labels.

Office Services- Color Copies, Desktop publishing, Brochures, Flyers, Clerical Assistance, Pack and Ship, Postage Stamps, Discounted resources, High speed wireless service, conference room rentals, daily office space rentals, onsite computer rentals, high speed printing and copying, and faxing.

REFERRALS- business counseling, insurance, accounting, taxes, website designs, funding, business supplies and services.

YOUTH Programs- Money management Camp, Guidance Counseling for the fulfillment of educational needs to start a business, basic business planning.

Seniors/Disabled- Neighbors helping Neighbors, hurricane prepardness, volunteer paint program.

Donations accepted, Sponsorships and Partnerships available.

Volunteers Needed

The EDGE is accepting applications for volunteers to help with planning and implementing a live auction and banquet celebration. Call today 561-993-3343.

The first planning meeting will be held on Sept 19, 2007 at 10AM-Noon. Lunch will be provided.

The Event will take place on February 7, 2008 in Belle Glade at the Dolly Hand Auditorium.

This event is going to raise funds for the Micro-Loan program and the Youth Entrepreneur program that is offered by the EDGE. In addition the outstanding Entrepreneur will be announced and the mentoring program will be giving awards to the Youth that have successfully completed the Youth Entrepreneur Success (YES) program.

The last YES online auction will begin on January 1, 2008 and end on February 7, 2008 at the event. This is a first if its kind of an event in the Glades and we promise everyone with have a fun night out.

Community minded businesses and organization will have the opportunity to participate in this event by donating or sponsoring an item for sale on the online auction. Call 561-993-3343 today for more details or visit our online auction at www.yesonlineauction.com. or email us at edgectr@bellsouth.net.

Remember that any donation or contribution to the EDGE is tax deductible. Join with us today and promote yourself while helping your community.

Youth Entrepreneur Success

The EDGE has a program for age 15-21 year olds who are interested in learning how to start a business.

The program is offered FREE to motivated students who have a dream of starting a business. The program is funded by business sponsors.

After completion of only a short computerized one on one program students meet with mentors and counselors who will give guidance of what path students will need to follow to achieve their dreams.

Students will receive a certificate that will be honored by local high schools and PBCC for continuing education credits and as credit toward scholarships.

In addition students will be have the opportunity to apply to the EDGE Centers new Micro-loan program for assistance to start their business.

Please sponsor a student today and call the EDGE at 561-993-3343 to set up an appointment.

The REAL EDGE Graduates 11 Adults with a Dream

On June 26,2007 the first REAL class enjoyed dinner at the EDGE and each participant that attended at least 7 of the 8 classes received a certificate of completion.

The dinner was catered by member Charl0tte White from the ELK LODGE Cafe. The dinner included salad, garlic bread, fried chicken wings, and homemade lasanga and was completed by Charlotte's homemade banana pudding.

Many of the students enjoyed the class because they learned more about how the REAL business world functions and what is expected. Many came away with the desire to take the next step of getting started in their new business.

Instructor Jim Lilly from FAU SBDC and Fred Goodwin from Naples Workforce Alliance presented certificates and encouraged students to continue to follow their dreams.

The next class starts on Sept 6, 2007 at 6PM register early, the classes are limited to 16 participants.

Visit our website at http://www.edgecenter.info/ to register online.

This program is partially grant funded by the Small Business Development Center.

EDGE-REAL

The REAL Road to Business Success

The EDGE Center in a team effort with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and the Florida Atlantic University are excited to offer the business community of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay with a unique 'active learning' program for individuals interested in starting or expanding a small business in rural areas of southern Florida.

Participants in this comprehensive, hands-on course will learn to:

• identify and develop necessary business skills
• search and locate small business opportunities in the community
• prepare a winning business plan ( including a marketing plan and financial projections)

A Community Support Team of local professionals, bankers, attorneys, and CPA's will participate in the Course. Participant who complete this course with a minimum of 7 classes attended out of 8 with receive a certificate of continuing education credits.

This course will begin on May 3, at 6-9PM and will be offered every Thursday evening or 8 weeks. This course is open to the first 15 people to register.

Call early to reserve a seat.Registrations for this course will not be accepted after May 2, 2007. The fee for this 8 week course will be $10.00 All fees for training at the EDGE Center are tax deductible. CONTACT: Jim Lilly (863)840-2279 or Javier Tejada (561)993-3343

EDGE Launches ONLINE Auction May 1,2007

The Board of Directors(Betty Boyer, Douglas Green, Reggie O'Connor, Mary Lee Hickson, Samantha Murray, Liz Cayson) and Suzanne Harper, Executive Director at the EDGE Center, a non-profit business resource center in Belle Glade, Florida have developed a new community project and are blazing new paths for fund raising in the Glades to make the project a success.

The project is called the Youth Entrepreneur Success program or Y.E.S. for short.

The program is designed as an after school program for age 15 and older, high school or pre-college students. The program will be offered as and addition to the Life Strategies course at PBCC in conjunction with duel enrollment with Glades Central High School. The program gives students direction on what they will need to do to become successful as a business owner and what courses they will need to pursue. The additional benefit of this program will be to help decrease the drop out rate in Western Palm Beach County and to give our children hope.

The program consists of four business categories: Small Business and you, Business Planning, Marketing and Pricing, Finances and Cash Flow Projections will be studied using a computerized program that tests and after completion of the 20 hour course a certificate will be issued that will be honored toward scholarships. In addition the EDGE Center will introduce mentors to assist the exceptional and self motivated students to start a business of their own.

The program will be held at the EDGE Center facilities at 241 W Ave A. The facility is currently only able to assist 10 students a week. Each student will be allowed to progress at their own pace and will be assisted with computer skills and reading comprehension.

To make this project a Success The EDGE needs to raise $2,000,000 over the next four years. to build a new incubator facility in Western Palm Beach County to house the new businesses that will be created because of the Y.E.S. program. The 10 new businesses will employ a minimum of 50 employees. Which in turn will create 25 additional jobs in the community. In addition the funds will also be used to buy equipment and pay for the programing that will be used in the program. Only 10% will be used for administration.

How are we going to raise the funds needed to fund this project?
From 2007-2010 we will hold 3 online auctions a year with the last auction ending at the Annual Entrepreneur of the Years Banquet. The Auctions will be in May, Oct, and Jan ending on FEB 7 annually. The Schedule will be published on the blog and sent out by email.

The Banquet will be a rewarding and motivational event for all that participate in this project.

These Auctions are going to last 30 days and will be marketed via newspaper, radio, TV, Flyer's, Email, Snail Mail, Websites, Blogs, Forums, and word of mouth.

This is a win-win project because when you participate by donating to this cause you don't only help the community you help yourself as well.

How can you be a part of this very beneficial project?

If you own a business you could donate a service (example-offer to clean a house for a month, provide lawn mowing for a month) if you are a retailer you could donate a shopping spree, or dinner for 10, or a weeks vacation, or you can sponsor an item that is in our catalog. You can also donate cash or antiques, or overstocked inventory. We also have sponsorship spots on the front page of the Auction available.
Just remember all donations are deductible from your tax returns.

The best part of this is you will receive FREE MARKETING for your business or organization while helping your community.

Our pre-auction site is ready for you to preview, to start making your donations and to sign up to bid. Join with us and your community to be a part of the solution.

DONATE AN ITEM

Call us today for complete details on how to become a Charter Sponsor

561-993-3343

#1 Secret to Wealth

April 11, 2007

FREE Seminar

Learn How You Can Reduce Your Taxes to the Legal Minimum

10Am-Noon at Work Force Alliance on S Main St, Belle Glade

6PM-8PM at The EDGE Center at 241 W Ave A, Belle Glade

SPECIAL ALERT to Home-Based Business Owners...
Congress has passed laws giving THOUSANDS of DOLLARS in Tax REFUNDS and Tax DEDUCTIONS to average Americans who operate a legitimate home-based business – even a part time business – as long as they can prove they’re trying to make a profit.

These are NOT “loopholes,” or “tax dodges” or “tax avoidance schemes.”
They are legitimate tax breaks...
Authorized by Congress,
Published in the IRS Code, and/or
Approved by Federal Tax Court Rulings
Congress passed these tax laws to encourage home-based businesses because “Small business is the backbone of the American economy,” according to President George W. Bush.
The average American who runs even a part-time home-based business can now qualify for more tax advantages than any other category of taxpayer.
Why the big tax breaks for home-business owners???
Because 70% of the job growth is coming from small businesses, and Congress is “betting” that some of us will hit on a winner, strike it rich, and, then, pay a LOT in taxes. Of course we won't mind so much if we have to pay a lot in taxes if we're making a boatload of profits, right?
You can even qualify for these deductions retroactively! Most of the tax deductions and write-offs now available to taxpayers who run a small or home-based business, also apply to the past three tax years. So if you had a home-business in any of the past three years, you could file an Amended Tax Return (Form 1040X), and possibly get a Refund Check for THOUSANDS of DOLLARS – plus interest!

A NEW Home BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

will be offered from

2PM-4PM at Work Force Alliance Conference Room

This event is sponsored by Taihitian Nooni.

Call 561-993-3343 to reserve a seat.

The support given by the EDGE to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s or participant’s opinion, products, or services.

March 30th Enterprise Development Block Party

A special Open House at the EDGE is being sponsored by the business partners on Avenue A in Belle Glade.

Lena's Gift, Home Decor, Family Gifts, Anthony's, MODA'S Fashions, shoes, and Tuxedo Rentals, Jay's Fashions and School Uniforms.

They will be offering discounted prices, door prize drawings and huge savings on Easter items.

The EDGE will be offering a hotdog, chips and a soda, and will be accepting entries for a door prize drawing to win Cash.

Take this opportunity to visit the Downtown shops in Belle Glade and learn how your business can benefit from the services offered by the EDGE Center.

Hours 10AM-6PM.

241 W Ave A, Belle Glade, FL 33430 MAP

#1 Secret to Wealth

If you missed our last seminar on March 21, 2007, you missed the best down to earth motivational and wealth building advise out there.

The seminar was presented by Olivia Brown from Tahitian Noni and was titled "Tax Advantages for Home Based Businesses".

This seminar was so good that those in attendance left with a new outlook on starting a new business and others got ideas about what they could do to make their business even better.

We don't want anyone who is interested in changing their lives for the good to miss this seminar so we are going to present it twice in April.

April 11, 2007 10AM-Noon or 6PM-8PM at the Work Force Alliance Conference Room.

Don't be left out make a reservation today 561-993-3343

If you want to be a part of the solution for tomorrow check out our Entrpreneur Scholarship Fund and donate today. We accept online donations, checks, transfers, credit cards, and paypal. Visit our website for details on how you can make a difference.

New Partnership Businesses

Anthony's

216 West Ave A

Belle Glade, FL 33430

(561)996-2874

Anthony's Fashions have served the Glades Area for more than 20 years, They offer elegant and top quality name brands for men, women and children at very fair prices.

They have a complete line of Stacy Adams and Italian Men Designer Suits, shirts, pants, leather shoes, hats and TUXEDO RENTALS

For the ladies who need quality fashions they have cocktail, prom, and bridesmaid dresses and for those Qinceaneras or Sweet Sixteen parties they offer special orders. They also have designer purses and shoes.

Every occasion of boys, girls, women and men's attire at very reasonable prices.

Bring a copy of this article and receive an additional 10% discount.

____________________________________________________________________

Lena's Flower & Gift Shop

189 W Ave A

Belle Glade, Fl 33430

561-996-6411

Speciallizing in custom design florals and gifts.

Kitchen Collectible

Oil burners

Balloons & Gifts for all Occasions

Wedding Supplies and Rentals

Silk Trees and flowers

Picture frames

Ornamental furnishings.

___________________________________________________________________

Specialty Imports Inc

1330 S Main ST

Belle Glade, FL 33430

561-996-0095

Specializes in 2000-2007 Clean used Cars and Trucks at discounted prices

and low down payments.

They are in the process of opening a new U-Haul facility

that will include installing hitches and pack and ship.

____________________________________________________________________

Plant and Grow Nursery LLC.

1057 E Canal St N

Belle Glade, FL 33430

561-261-0575

Plant and Grow is a family owned company that has served the Glades for more than 30 years providing seed grown palms and collectibles.

They have a wide variety of all size palms for various applications.

Their Landscape team provides custom designs and installations.

____________________________________________________________________

If your business is community minded and you feel like you

need help with marketing, networking or business planning for expansion

Call the EDGE 561-993-3343 or go to our website and fill out the application.