| Equal access to economic resources and possibilities is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Historical lack of equal access to education, funding and guidance, deny underserved minorities and low income families the chance to start their own businesses and share in the American dream of financial independence.
What is needed is a level playfield where businesses can grow based on their own strengths, rather than on economic, ethnic or racial barriers.
GET is a free service to foster entrepreneurship across urban areas in the Mid Hudson Valley region. GET fills the gap in existing services by starting its work at the basic early stages of the business ladder: the germination period where ideas are formed.
GET services target underserved minorities and low income families, and helps them start their own business through:
- Free confidential consultations and technical assistance
- Bi-lingual Services
- Two convenient locations in the Mid Hudson Valley: Poughkeepsie and Newburgh
- Business and entrepreneurial training
- "Entrepreneurship for Everyone" Seminar series
- Access to regional opportunities
- Financial Resource Network and Database
- Hudson Valley Entrepreneurial Conference and Expo
- Youth Entrepreneurial Program
- Individual mentorship
- Peer Savings Program
- Micro-Loans
As of June 2010, the end of our fifth year in operation, GET is working on 411 different projects of which 103 are already in business. This represents an outstanding success rate of 1:4. One in every 4 people that come to GET end up starting their own business.
GET was formed out of a study done by Marist College School of Management and Mid Hudson Pattern for Progress, with funding from The Dyson Foundation. The study identified the need for an organization rooted in the community it serves, and with the mission to foster entrepreneurship among minorities and low income families, thus advancing the economic dovelopment of the region. GET started its work as an independent 501 c 3 nonprofit organization in July 2005.
Ongoing funding is provided by The Dyson Foundation, the Orange County IDA, The City of Newburgh, State and Federal funding, corporations, sponsors and private donors. GET need to raise annual funds in the order of $600,000.00 to support its free services and programs.
Your support is much needed and appreciated.
Contact Angie Perez Ramos
GET Executive Assistant
845-787-4328
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