Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center now taking applications

Entrepreneurs facing financial challenges may be eligible for discounts

If you’re a new business owner
in financial need or one who needs a jumpstart, the Gwinnett
Entrepreneur Center wants to lend a helping hand.

The center is now accepting applications for membership from budding
business owners.

“Small businesses are essential to a thriving economy — bringing
jobs, stimulating economic growth and driving innovation,” said Board
of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “With more than 26,000
businesses here, the center will help nurture those entrepreneurs by
providing guidance that will help their business.”

Sponsored by the Board of Commissioners, the center is an incubator to
help the county’s small businesses with coworking and office space,
classes, workshops, business coaching and networking connections. The
center will also offer tailored support services to local non-member
entrepreneurs.

Georgia Gwinnett College will help manage the facility.

“Through our partnership, growth-oriented ventures in Gwinnett County
will now have access to the resources that will enable them to be
successful,” said Georgia Gwinnett College President Jann L. Joseph.
“We know that small-to-medium size businesses drive the economy and
this is an important step in supporting those efforts. We are excited
to offer the expertise that GGC has in this area and to share that
expertise to help grow and support low-to-middle income business
owners as they accumulate the knowledge that will help ensure that
they are successful.”

There are two membership levels and under the center’s Opportunity
Program, business owners who meet certain financial criteria are
eligible for a 50 percent discount on dues.

Those interested are asked to carefully review the member handbook,
tour the facility and attend an informational webinar about the center
before applying.

“We look forward to reviewing member applications from Gwinnett’s
entrepreneurs and interviewing the standout candidates,” said Economic
Development Manager Mark Farmer. “And later this year when our
building is complete, we’re especially eager to start working with our
first arrivals.”

More information is available at GwinnettEntrepreneurCenter.com.