Press release here:
The City of Asheville’s Minority Business Program, the Eagle Market Streets Development Corp. (EMSDC), and collaborating agencies will this week honor the first graduates of EMSDC’s BLOCK Academy (Building Lifelong Opportunity, Community, and Knowledge) for business economic development.
The graduation ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the banquet room of the Asheville Civic Center.
Local entrepreneurs will be honored for their completion of the BLOCK program, which is designed to create jobs by assisting low-income minority populations with the development or expansion of small businesses.
Thursday’s ceremony will start with a meet-and-greet and will include an overview of the BLOCK Academy, remarks from special guests, and the awarding of certificates of achievement to graduating participants. Light refreshments will be served.
The public is encouraged to attend and to learn more about how the city’s Minority Business Program, partnering agencies, and EMSDC’s BLOCK Academy can help citizens start or expand a small business.