Seven participants graduated June 25 from the seventh South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership HustleSBE cohort.
“HustleSBE is more than an eight-week bootcamp,” said Jess Koscher of Write Connections | strategy + design, in a press release. “Together, we are building community for women and minority businesses. The impact goes far beyond their time with us. They now have a place to be vulnerable, share success, and find ideas for their challenges.”
Koscher was a member of the third cohort of HustleSBE.
“During their time with us, they were introduced to areas of business ownership that were not comfortable or versed for them,” Koscher said. “Now, they have new ideas and people to go to for answers. I wish all women and minority-owned small businesses utilized HustleSBE.”
Cohort seven graduates include:
- Elizabeth Coleman, Beauty King
- Rhonda Davis, Rhonda's Tasty Treats
- Nicky Foust, Chefs for Seniors
- Benita Pfeifer, D'Marie Boutique
- Marcella Taylor, Arkie Enterprises
- Gregory Williams, Fitzgerald's Smokehouse BBQ
“I met a lot of beautiful people that were doing the same thing that I was doing and going through the same thing that I was going through on this experience,” said Pfeifer, founder of D’Marie Boutique at the ceremony. “It has sharpened me. I felt like it's actually the sandpaper to my business. It's moving me out a little bit. I still have a lot to do, but it was a great experience for me. I just feel like I have family now, like I have entered into this group – into this community. So, I'm very excited. I'm very thankful. I'm very grateful. And I'm excited to see what's next.”
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership collaborative opportunities for the communities in the South Bend-Elkhart region.
