The BLOCK Academy
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| Dr. Joseph Fox (left), BLOCK Academy Instructor, with BLOCK Academy graduates (L-R) Anthony Thomas, Jennifer Poore, Susan Warren, and Howard Foster. Photo: Je’Wana Grier-McEachin |
by Sarah Williams
On August 18, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the historic YMI Cultural Center, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation (EMSDC) held its second BLOCK Academy graduation ceremony. In attendance were Jeff Staudinger, City of Asheville’s Community Development Director; James Lee, the City of Asheville’s Minority Business Coordinator; and Sharon Oxendine, Mountain Bizworks Women’s Business Center Regional Director, who chairs the BLOCK Academy steering committee.
Also in attendance were Dr. Joseph Fox, Chair of AB Tech’s Business
Administration Department and owner of Fox Management Consulting, LLC,
and EMSDC board members Daryl Hart and Dave Nutter.
About The BLOCK Academy
The BLOCK Academy seeks to furnish a platform for launching or
expanding small minority businesses and nonprofits, and to create jobs
and offer an opportunity for greater competiveness and success in the
mainstream market.
What makes the BLOCK Academy unique is its seamless transition through
the steps necessary to create a successful business. The five essential
steps are:
- Business idea
- Business Plan (that can be taken to a bank)
- Implementation
- Connection to Community Resources; Small Business Center, etc.
- Ongoing Support
The BLOCK Academy draws attention to Asheville’s cutting-edge approach
to entrepreneurial development. It was put into practice to support new
business owners, those who are planning to start a new business, or
those whose dream it is to grow or expand their business.
