First BLOCK Academy Class Graduates

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Joseph Fox, educator for BLOCK Academy. Graduates: Martha Tillman, Clarence Robinson, and Je’Wanna Grier-McEachen. Not pictured: Dr. Nathan Edwards and Dr. Ayesha Carter.  Photo: Urban News

Staff Reports

The first class of Eagle-Market Streets Development Corporation BLOCK Academy graduated in a ceremony held recently at the Asheville Civic Center Banquet Hall. BLOCK is the acronym for Building Lifelong Opportunity, Community and Knowledge, and the academy in collaboration with the city of Asheville provides small-business training and assistance in helping entrepreneurs develop the skills needed to succeed in business.

The BLOCK Academy coursework is being taught by Dr. Joseph Fox, of
Fox Management and Consulting, and chairperson of the Business
Department at A-B Tech. The course work includes 14 weeks of intensive
business and financial training on various expects of operating a
business, and development of a viable business plan.

Participants also have the opportunity to enroll in IDA
(Individual Development Account); a savings program that offers matching
dollars amounts of 4:1 or 2:1. The BLOCK Academy also offers weekly
check-ins with an adviser to ensure the participant’s business
objectives are being met.

After the presentation of certificates, Mayor Terry Bellamy
emphasized that while the entrepreneurs are creating job security for
themselves, they will also create jobs for people in the Asheville area.
“It’s great for our community and a means of contributing to our local
tax base,” she said.

To learn more about the BLOCK Academy, contact Eagle-Market Street Development Corporation at (828) 281-1227.