Local women complete U of S business start-up program

Three local women are among a group of future female entrepreneurs who completed the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center Women’s Entrepreneurship Center StartUP Fall Program.

Brigid Lawrence of Jermyn, Cheyanne Peaten-Holder of Jessup and Megan Poremba of Dunmore participated in the program sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Finance Corporation. Also participating were Maria Bonacci of Waverly Twp., Geneen Brown of Scranton, Nesha Parker of Kunkletown, Claudette Polidoro of Clarks Summit, Melanie Van Ommeren of Cresco and Jill White, Jefferson Twp.

Facilitated by experienced business consultants from the university’s SBDC, the six-week certificate series is designed for women with lower incomes, women experiencing a life transition or women trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The StartUP program offers women support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option for them. The program also encompasses teaching business startup basics, legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and goal setting.

Representatives from the NEPA Alliance and university student interns of the SBDC’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center also played a role, sharing information and resources with participants.

Housed in the Kania School of Management, the University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center is a program of the Small Business Development Center. WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance and encouragement. For more information, visit www.scrantonsbdc.com.