Capital Region Chamber holds Entrepreneur Boot Camp Training Course
ALBANY, N.Y. » A group of local entrepreneurs recently graduated from the Capital Region Chamber’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp Training Course, persevering amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 10 participants representing nine companies have built a foundation to expand their businesses following their successful completion of the 60-hour awardwinning training course, specially designed for those who are starting and growing businesses.
“It is a credit and testament to the entrepreneurs’ drive and passion for having persevered in completing this class, and in some cases, launching a new business, under such extraordinary, unprecedented and uncertain times,” the Capital Region Chamber’s vice president of business growth Laura Mann said in a press release.
The entrepreneurs graduated from the chamber’s Spring 2020 boot camp course during a ceremony held via Zoom due to pandemic-related restrictions on in-person events.
During the virtual event, Alseny Diop of Renaissance
Geotechnical Engineering, PLLC was presented a cash grant of $3,000 and a oneyear Capital Region Chamber membership. Established just before the pandemic began in January of 2020, the geotechnical engineering consulting firm offers geotechnical engineering analyses, construction inspection and testing services for foundation design to support pavement structures, bridge substructures, residential, industrial and commercial buildings, water tanks/towers, dams, retaining walls and more. The firm has applied and anticipates becoming certified as a New York State Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprise.
Lindsey and Marissa Phelps of Zen Den were presented with a $1,500 check from Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP and also won a Ricoh printer from Repeat Business Systems. Zen Den is a wellness studio in Rotterdam that opened its doors in February of 2020. Zen Den was offering holistic guided personal and group meditation services and classes as well as private massage services until COVID-19 forced a quick pivot to virtual and online personal care services.
Zen Den is looking forward to opening its doors once more when it is safe to do so and offering a tranquil environment where clients will find multiple ways to de-stress, unwind, refocus and replenish their mental, emotional and physical well- being; something much needed by everyone especially at this time.
Carla Peckage of OSAY Boutique won two classes from MicroKnowledge and a threecredit class of choice from SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Peckage will launch OSAY as an online boutique in July with post-pandemic plans to open a Saratoga Springs, NY brick and mortar location in 2021.
Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber, was master of ceremonies for the event.
The award-winning 10week course, taught through the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp Training Course, educated entrepreneurs on the critical skills necessary for business growth and expansion. The classes blended classroom and individual training with lectures by prominent business experts. Special guest lecturers covered topics including branding, advertising, legal issues, market research, demographics, sales, financing, leadership, diversity and inclusion, social media, presentations skills, accounting and more.
Shoprite offered scholarships to military veterans again this year.
All Spring 2020 Entrepreneur Boot Camp graduate businesses/entrepreneurs include Justin Camelo of Dunkin’, Yvonne Clark Rogers of Talentswork, Alseny Diop of Renaissance Geotechnical Engineering, PLLC , Sherene Hemraj of Buttercup Bakery and Cafe, Chandler McCray of Centronics Gaming Lounge, Carla Peckage of OSAY Boutique, Lindsey and Marissa Phelps of Zen Den, Brooke Ross of Beauty on the Avenue and David Sanders of Sanders Subaru.
Entrepreneur Boot Camp is supported by the Capital Region Chamber and the Empire State Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program.
For more information about the program, contact Vice President, Business Growth Laura Mann, at 518- 431-1430 or by email at lmann@capitalregionchamber.com.
The Fall 2020 Boot Camp begins September 9, 2020 and registration is now underway.