Your community could join the ranks of Haywood, Transylvania, Watauga, Polk, Burke and Mitchell counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have all earned Certified Entrepreneurial Community designation. Advantage West developed the program to help communities create a culture of rich resources for entrepreneurs.
Your Western North Carolina community can earn CEC designation, too. Here’s how to get started:
1. SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT (Deadline August 23 extended to September 7): Send AdvantageWest an official letter of intent, indicating your community’s interest in pursuing CEC certification. Email letter to Pam Lewis, AdvantageWest’s Sr. VP of Entrepreneurial Development, at or mail to Pam Lewis at AdvantageWest, 134 Wright Brothers Way, Fletcher NC 28732.
2. ATTEND CEC LEADERSHIP TRAINING, September 13-15: AdvantageWest will conduct a 2½-day training session that will provide details about getting started and completing the rigorous 5-step process of certification. (Training is also appropriate for communities that have started, but not completed, the CEC process.) Speakers include Deb Markley of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, presenting the Energizing Entrepreneurs, or e2, program, a training tool used across the country and beyond to help communities achieve their entrepreneurial development goals. Representatives of WNC communities that have received certification will share challenges and successes. Note: Location to be announced.
3. GET MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the benefits and requirements of the CEC program, or to schedule a presentation to key community leaders about the CEC process, contact Pam Lewis or call 828.273.8295.
For more information about the Certified Entrepreneur Community program or to register for CEC Leadership Training, contact Pam Lewis or call 828.273.8295
