Team Minard Productions Delivers First Clinic Session of new ELM Business Accelerator Program
The Entrepreneurial Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program is a 9-month program launched by the Bradford Area Alliance to help existing business owners pursue new opportunities, overcome specific business challenges, and achieve greater success. Ten business owners from diverse industry sectors are participating in this dynamic program.
Business owners have already participated in a two-day retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center in Java Center, NY and in ‘Forum Sessions’ where the owners listen to and actively discuss key topics from subject matter experts. The topics are driven by input from the participants and include increasing profits, succession planning, growing their workforce, access to capital, increasing sales, marketing strategies, etc. Owners are now conducting ‘Clinic Sessions’. Clinicals serve as a platform for business owners to present their business and ideas for growth with active input from fellow classmates and guest entrepreneurs with relevant expertise.
Team Minard Productions was founded in 2006 and is owned by Jim Minard, a business owner participating in the ELM accelerator. The company is located at 542 East Main Street, Bradford, PA and provides screen printing and embroidery, as well as custom trophies, awards, and plaques. Reflecting on his clinic presentation Jim stated, “The clinic has helped me create a strategic blueprint, connecting my current business to a plan for the future.”
Christian Smith, Economic Development Specialist with the Bradford Area Alliance, states, “Jim Minard’s presentation was truly inspirational. We want the business accelerator program to be a game-changer for our participants. We want to be a powerful wind at their back, as they propel their business forward with newfound momentum and clarity. Witnessing the quality and drive of this inaugural group of business owners, including Jim Minard, fills me with excitement and inspiration for what lies ahead for these business owners and our community.”
The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.
