Small businesses and entrepreneurs continue to pivot and face the challenges of remaining in existence and serving their customers and community. Despite 2020 being one of the most challenging years, local small business owners have remained resilient, flexible, and were able to adapt their business models. And now, they’re giving back to other local entrepreneurs.
On Thursday, February 18, and Thursday, February 25, from noon to 1 p.m., local nonprofit Venture Jobs Foundation will host its first-ever Jobs Kitchen Lunch Bites Series, where local small business owners are both the attendees and the speakers. With real advice and real conversations from Rochester business owners, this free, two-part virtual experience is for anyone in our community eager to start or improve their business.
Featured speakers and participants will include Gilberto Vargas (owner of GVIII Barbershops), Jesse Hughson (owner of Skill Hoarder LLC) on February 18, Rosa Marie Curtis (owner of Marvelous Mind Academy), and Assunta Wilson (owner of B.Renewed LLC) on February 25. These local entrepreneurs from diverse fields will share their struggles, successes, and words of wisdom on how each has grown from side-hustle to small business.
“The Venture Jobs Foundation played a key role in the growth of my business,” said Jesse Hughson, owner of Skill Hoarder Labs. “In the past few years, I transitioned from working from home as a solopreneur, to building out a full prototyping shop and hiring full-time employees. By realizing I can’t carry everything on my own shoulders, and with a focus on personal growth, I’ve been able to create space for my business to adapt and grow. There’s a learning curve on putting that into practice, and VJF offers mentorship, funding, and programs like the Jobs Kitchen to help you transition, pivot, and remain successful.”
Panelist conversations will include the impact of COVID and racial injustice, pivoting your business and marketing plans, navigating the successes and roadblocks of entrepreneurship, and building an entrepreneurial network.
To learn more about Venture Jobs Foundation or to register for the Jobs Kitchen Lunch Bites Series, visit venturejobs.org/kitchenbites.
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