Tanya Hazelwood of Healing Hands Mobile Massage Unit recently won $1,130 from the September Entrepreneur Café sponsored by Greenbrier Valley Economic Development. She has started to refurbish an RV to provide business people, tourists, special events and more with massage services. “Having participated in the Café, I found it not only educational and helpful, but fun as well. It challenged me to really think about my business and everything that goes along with it. Winning the competition was one of the most exciting moments of my life. The monies I received will bring me one step closer to obtaining my dream as a small business owner.”
A good crowd attended the Sept. 19 Entrepreneur Café organized by a partnership with New River Community and Technical College, the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce and Greenbrier Valley Economic Development.
A delicious Italian supper was served courtesy of Sam’s Club in the Student Lounge of the college. Crowd-funders evaluated presentations from Healing Hands Massage Unit, Boom Trek project, Greenlee Enterprises and the Pretty Penny Café. Steve Weir, executive director of Greenbrier Valley Economic Development served as master of ceremonies. Greenbrier East students Mary Claire Ickes, Hannah Riviore, Sarah Fullen and Victoria Monte served as ushers. Others assisting to make this economic development event happen include Terri Baker, Selina Cahill, Peggy Crowder, Sandy Epling, Michelle Evans, Katie Ickes, Gloria Kincaid, Amber McHale and Nan Morgan.
The next Entrepreneur Café will be held in early 2014; to apply go to gvecafe.com or contact Katie Ickes at 304-667-7027. A business plan training for entrepreneurs is being planned to help small businesses formulate details of many aspects of their business to be more successful.
