(SARASOTA) – A Community Entrepreneur Opportunity (CEO) program graduation and reception will be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 6-8:00 p.m. at CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota. The event is to acknowledge and congratulate 12 CEO graduates for completion of the 8-week Introduction to Business Development Course. Since 2005, there have been 206 graduates of the CEO program. Sponsors and community partners include CareerSource Suncoast, City of Sarasota, FSBDC, Sarasota County, SCORE, SunTrust Foundation, and Wells Fargo.
As part of the ceremonial event, each graduate will make his or her “business pitch” with businesses ranging from technology application to gymnasium and sports operations. Included in the program will be Sarasota based Voalte co-founder Oscar Callejas and City of Sarasota Commissioner Susan Chapman.
Prize money will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for most likely businesses to succeed. The panel of seasoned “business pitch” judges include Dr. Jean Kabongo, Associate Professor at USF Sarasota-Manatee; Thomas Gardner, General Partner at KeyView Venture Capital & Private Equity at KeyView and Angel Investor at BRIDGE; and Linda Jellison, Angel Investor at BRIDGE.
CEO course instructor Dr. Anita Rose, Talent Development Manager for CareerSource Suncoast, guided learners through the 8-week program. Dr. Rose has extensive experience assisting hundreds of entrepreneurs, from new venture formation to business development and managing innovative growth. “I am committed to prosperity and business growth in our community,” said Rose. One-on-one mentoring and consulting has been provided by SCORE and FSBDC.
This event is open to the public. For more information about the program or this event, please call (941) 365-2200, ext. 3220.
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*Media is invited* Graduates will be available for interviews to discuss what they learned from the CEO program and how they will apply their new knowledge to their business.
About CareerSource Suncoast
CareerSource Suncoast is a non-profit dedicated to providing education and tools for employers and job-seekers. Our mission is to recruit, train and retain talent for employers on the Suncoast. An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.