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.

Youth Entrepreneur Success Online Store

Link to STORE

Registration for the upcoming Youth Entrepreneur Success (YES) program will begin on December 10th thru the 17th.

If you are 17 - 25 and want to learn how to start your own business while contributing to your Community then you may qualify for the EDGE Centers Youth Entrepreneur Success program.

If you want to earn money towards a scholarship or just learn how to develop your own business we can show you how.

Learn more about the program and how to register for the 16 week course.

Glades Tri-Cities Coalition

The Cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay Commissioners organize to bring the Glades together on issues of mutual concern.

The group has voted that Mayor Steve Wilson will chair the coalition.

The organization has created committees for Economic Development and Education, they will hold monthly meetings.

The first project that the Committee will present is the:
Talent Showcase- Spirit of the Tri-Cities
The event will take place on December 20th, 2008 at the Belle Glade Amphitheater on Torry Island Road.

View Larger Map

For more information about the Coalition and its plans visit their information website at www.tri-citiesonline.info

Besure to stop by the EDGE Center Booth and register to win a 7 day cruise.

Small Business Videos

Small Business Videos

Investing in the Glades Workshops

Free workshops are presented by EDWARD Jones Co.  Food will be served at all workshops and is sponsored by Partnerships of the EDGE.  To reserve a seat please call today 561-993-3343 ext 102. 

$

Special Offering for Business Owners in the Glades

Are you looking for a way to increase your business income in the Glades? If you answered yes, then continue reading.

The Enterprise Development for Glade Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Center has a special business offering that is for Business owners who want to show their support of entrepreneuralism in the Glades Communities.

We are expanding our Partnership Link program for the upcoming 2009 year and now is the time to join with the EDGE to market your business while showing support for your community.

When you signup for a partnership link with the EDGE you will receive the following benefits to market your business for one low price:

1. Your provided marketing materials (business cards/brochures) will be displayed in the EDGE offices lobby.
2. Business Referrals for your services will be provided to inquirers by the EDGE staff.
3. A link from our website to your website or an electronic business card will be placed on the EDGE website.
4. Once a year a mass mailing of your marketing materials will be emailed or mailed to the EDGE client database.
5. You will receive the Business Spot Light Recognition Award from the City Mayor.
6. You will receive a FREE Spot Light on your business ad in the local newspaper and on the EDGE BLOG.
7. You will be receive a partnership card that will entitle you to discounts on services and products at participating businesses.
8. You will be notified of Professional Networking opportunities that will be offered by the Belle Glade & Pahokee Chambers of Commerce and Palm Beach County Economic Development.

$150.00 per year

(tax deductible as a business expense)

This offering for partnership services is from 10/1/08 - 9/30/09.

This special is only being offered between August 1 thru September 30th, 2008.

As an incentive to register early you will receive A personalized 4" x 8" paver brick engraved with your business name that will be placed on the walkway of the new Innovation Center and your choice of a 7 night cruise for 2 or $300 worth of free gasoline. (ask us how you can offer great travel incentives for your customers)

Payment for this program must be received at time of registration we accept credit card payments through paypal, business checks, and cash.

We can help you to make your business be all that it can be. Don't be the only business who didn't take advantage of this opportunity, call us today.

561-993-3343 or EDGE Email

Reaching Out

The departure of USSC will open new doors for those who have a business idea and have always wanted their very own business. Now is the time to do what you have always wanted to do.

At the EDGE Center in Belle Glade we are reaching out to Hendry and Glades County and we are prepared to assist with:

business planning
research and feasibility studies
networking referrals
employee referrals
technology training
financial assistance
marketing plan and cooperative marketing
website design and development
clerical assistance.
office services.
professional certifications
office space
conference room use
wifi
Good old fashion hand holding and motivation.

The EDGE Center has served the business community of Belle Glades, South Bay, Pahokee, and Canal Point since 1997 as the Economic Development Center in the Glades. The EDGE is funded by Palm Beach County Economic Development Office and the Palm Beach County Commission, the USDA Rural Assistance program, SFWMD, PBCC and client fees.

Currently the EDGE is renovating the Old Belle Glade City Hall that when completed will be used as the new Business Innovation Center of the Glades. Grand Opening date is scheduled for December 2008.

We are currently located in the Historical Area of Belle Glade at 241 W Ave A. Belle Glade, FL.

If you have a vision that you want to make reality then Call today to schedule an appointment 561-993-3343

Enterprise Development for Glades Entrepreneurs Center is a not-for profit (501(c)3) business resource and incubation center, whose vision is to develop joint ventures with non-profit and for profit companies to fulfill the mission of the EDGE to assist in starting new businesses and expanding businesses to create safer, happier, healthier, and prosperous diverse communities in the Glades Region.
http://www.edgecenter.info

Board Members- Betty Boyer, Douglas Green, Reggie O' Connor, Derrek Moore, Mary O. Evans, Tracy Harrell, John Wilson, Elizabeth Cayson

Emerging Business Network Mentors- Paul Skyers, Dr. Jimmy Klaber, Vicky Silver

Executive Director- Suzanne Harper

Incubator Manager- Javier Tejada

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Petition for Support

Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Betty Boyer honored at GIN

At the May 5 Glades Initiative Community Service Awards banquet Betty Boyer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the EDGE Center was awarded the Community Service Award for her contributions to the residents and businesses of Western Palm Beach County.

Betty married Bill Boyer 42 years ago and has 3 children 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Together Betty and Bill own and operate a field grown tree farm called Plant and Grow Nursery, Inc.
Some of Betty's prouds contributions include:

• Her 11 years of service as a Board member of the EDGE Center a non-profit business incubator since 1997.
• As a guardian ad litem for 17 years she was awarded the guardian of the year award from the Florida Dept of Law Enforcement. She is currently on the Citizens for National Security Task force.
• She has served faithfully as a member of NAACP, Republican Executive Committee district 100, Past President of American Legion Aux Post 161 south Bay, Past President south Bay Crime Watch, past disaster chairperson for the American Red Cross, Member of the Board of Adjustment in South Bay, past Chairman for the South Bay Beautification committee, A member of the Cuban American club, partnership for neighborhood initiative, Belle Glade chamber of Commerce, First woman member of the Belle Glade Elks Lodge, BG Boat Lock Committee and procurement committee, Belle Glade Zoning Board member of the Belle Glade Garden Club, member of the BG Weed and Seed program, Past Citizen on Patrol for Belle Glade, Past crime watch Belle Glade, Member of the Arthur R. Marshall foundation, Member of the first Baptist church, and a political activist .
• Most recently while waiting to attend a meeting at City Hall, Betty selflessly paid the $1300 monthly water bill of a desperate resident because the person had small children and couldn’t afford to pay the incorrect bill.

Betty is known for her kind heart and giving and the Board of Directors of the EDGE proudly honored her with this award for her contributions to the residents of the Glades.

The Secret that Sells...........

FREE Workshop Thursday March 27, 2008

1PM-3PM at 241 W Ave A, Belle Glade, FL.

Learn how motivational marketing can help to sell your products. This program will teach you how to develop advertising that gets results.

Attendees will be have the opportunity to register to win 2 Free roundtrip airline tickets valued at $1500. Drawing will be held at the end of the workshop.

Seating is limited call 993-3343 today to reserve a seat.