New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In the heart of downtown Fall River, 9 entrepreneurs celebrated the culmination of a 12-week intensive Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) accelerator program. After much success in Lowell and Lawrence, EforAll expanded its operations to South Coast, MA last fall. This is the second round of entrepreneurs going through the program. The 9 entrepreneurs showcased their products and services at the beautiful Cultural Center in Fall River. Around 100 people attended. EforAll awarded $15,000, shared by the entrepreneurs mentioned below. However, the cohort will have more opportunities throughout the year to be awarded cash prizes, as EforAll provides additional support for the next 9 months.
Scott Dubois, co-owner of Pidalia delivered a powerful keynote speech. He told his story of challenges and successes, reminding entrepreneurs that partnerships are like marriages and there’s more time in the day if you just watch less Game of Thrones.
Accelerator participant, Latonia Francois, founder of Let’s Write Life, a journal publishing company focused on mental health, delivered an inspirational speech on behalf of her accelerator colleagues. She stated that what she really got from EforAll was the access and importance of people to her business: the support from mentors, fellow entrepreneurs and a better understanding of her customers.
The winners of the $15,000 were:
The Noodle Bowl: $5,500
Maddi Jezierski of New Bedford, MA plans to open a noodle bar that offers a unique and diverse selection of noodle bowls incorporating elements from other cultural foods, to the New Bedford community.
Blooming Artisan: $4,500
Jennifer Guerin of Rhode Island, offers a DIY floral and botanical craft experience, with seasonally inspired arrangements for private parties, or special events at restaurants and bars.
VICTORNEE: $3,000
Silvia Correia-Thomas of Stoughton, MA created specialized pants for children ages two-to-ten, with built in padding and durability to withstand the wear and tear of even the most active children.
Let’s Write Life: $2,000
Latonia Francois of Brockton, MA designs, develops, and sells journals based on her own life story, while bringing awareness of the adverse benefits of journalling.
