Mid-Hudson Civic Center was the venue for GET”™s third annual expo.Â
Is there a new market for new business hopefuls, even in a down economy? According to Glenn Croston, author of “75 Green Businesses,” those who want to get out on their own may find a way to do it by going eco-friendly and taking advantage of stimulus funding the federal government is offering.
The San Diego biologist and author was guest speaker at the Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows Inc. luncheon at the Poughkeepsie Grand on April 27, attended by more than 150 business leaders and entrepreneurial hopefuls who would like to become their own boss. They met some of the owners of new businesses that have been mentored by GET since the idea was first conceived by Marist College and the Dyson Foundation five years ago.
Rob Lunski, who is GET”™s executive director and opened its second location in Newburgh, said the market is harder, but there are always opportunities for people to start up a new business.
“GET is a way to help women and minorities, who are usually left out of the equation, start their own businesses.”
In addition to helping potentials discover whether their idea is one that will be successful, GET helps its entrepreneurs write business plans, how to market their new business and get start-up funding.
According to Croston, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going to open up financing streams for those who are thinking of starting up “green” businesses.
“Right now, ARRA is offering funding to people who can come up with ways to make business more ecologically sustainable,” said Croston; although he could not give specific examples of the types of businesses entrepreneurs may explore, he said that any business creating a carbon-footprint can be helped to become more eco-friendly, even if it is as simple as changing over from using traditional light bulbs or by investing in natural fabrics for use in offices.
GET held its third annual trade show and expo at the Mid-Hudson Civic Arena, where more than 60 vendors, including media sponsor HVBiz, were on hand to talk to business owners of the future and those who have just started out. GET offered 30 workshops for visitors, including “How the Small Business Administration Can Help You” and “Developing Your Own Personal Brand.”
Currently, GET is working with more than 380 entrepreneurs, 82 of which are already in business. GET continues to work with new businesses throughout their first year with free consultations, business training and micro-loans.
For more information about GET”™s training centers in Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, contact Lunski at info@gethudsonvalley.org
