At their regular meeting, the Talbot County Council awarded graduation certificates to eight participants in the second cohort of the Talbot Works Business Academy on Tuesday, November 12. The business owners recently completed an 8-week entrepreneurship course 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 eight-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.
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.
The Academy’s second cohort of graduates are Stefanie L. DeFiglia, Two Tree Integrative Health; Kiersten L. Mueller, Another Level Fitness; Edward L. Roberts, Sr., Cutz by Eddie; Neoma L. Salvaje, Eleventh House Solutions; Kristi S. Shaw, Coastal Retreat Studios & Wellness; Kristin M. Tallent, Right Choice Plumbing & Rooter; Lisa D. Wilson, Beauty of Restoration Treatment Center; and Anijah Wilson, Libby’s Loving Hands.
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 third cohort will begin in 2025 starting on Tuesday, February 4, with up to 15 candidates chosen and applications due by December 31.
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 third 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.
Photos from Graduation | Fall 2024 Cohort Talbot Works Business Academy
(Click on any photo to enlarge, with courtesy to Talbot County Government for providing some of these images)
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
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.
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