Elevate Entrepreneurs graduate class number eight

On Tuesday evening, February 17, the Elevate Entrepreneurs program celebrated the graduation of its eighth cohort of new business owners, with seven graduates eager to introduce their services to the community. 

Following a welcome by program co-director Chris Hunter, co-director Matt Grindstaff recognized and thanked the instructors, coaches and local professionals who help make the program a success. As part of the Elevate Branson mission to help transition people out of poverty, Elevate Entrepreneurs helps equip people to move forward with a business or side hustle that can help accomplish that purpose. For other participants, their idea may be a retirement gig or a hobby-turned-business they’ve dreamed of having time to pursue. 

The directors explained that the program helps people build a resource team based on the acronym BAIL, including a trustworthy Banker, Accountant, Insurance agent, and Lawyer, to help with business basics such as profit and loss, creating appropriate structure such as an LLC, and mitigating risk. Hunter also expressed gratitude for the community’s willingness to combine resources as the Taney County Partnership, Missouri SBDC and Branson Chamber support the Elevate Entrepreneurs mission. Macee Curtis, regional program coordinator for the Small Business Development Center’s MSU office, then explained the services the SBDC provides, including one-on-one consulting, mentorship, training and other resources. 

Keynote speaker for the graduation was Elevate board member Tom Boyce. Tom Boyce Excavating was a key part of many successful Branson projects and continues to serve the community as Emery Sapp Construction following the Boyces’ retirement. Boyce shared his story of approaching Springfield equipment dealers, with his limited funds, hoping to move to owning his own business. Although some dealers did not respond to his inquires, one did, with a salesperson even providing an umbrella to help him shop in the rain. That support of his vision led to Boyce having a key part in the Branson boom of the 1990s; he later received an autographed umbrella from the John Deere CEO as the story got around. 

“You’ll take risks,” Boyce told the graduates, encouraging them to be honest and proactive even during hard times. His advice to new business owners also includes connecting with and thanking employees, and believing in yourself. “Treat people as you would like to be treated.” 

The graduates and their businesses include—

●      Angela Clark-Chandler – Unbridled Legacy Ranch & Event Venue; horse-assisted coaching for veterans and first responders 

●      Bridget Jones-Webb – Snow Dogs; shaved ice and hot dog trailer 

●      Mary Lang – Bunkhouse Quilting & Embroidery 

●      Matt Beebe – Rogue Chef Table; amphitheater chef 

●      Pamela Nelson – Branson Music & Performance Collective; performance-based youth education program 

●      Sandra and Brian Longman – All-Around Home; design and handyman services 

●      Tovah Lynn – Project Potential LLC; puppy dog training and puppy owner coaching 

Chris Hunter wrapped up the evening by sharing his own story of becoming involved in Elevate Branson. Thankful for a good job and other blessings, he felt a nudge of, “Maybe it’s time for you to give back.” Following up on that inner voice, an inquiry at Elevate led to his becoming a volunteer marketing coach and eventually co-director of Elevate Entrepreneurs. Volunteers are key to helping the Elevate mission succeed; to learn more, visit https://elevatebranson.org. 

Following the graduation, families and friends in attendance had the opportunity to visit information tables to learn more about the new businesses, including delicious food prepared by some of them! 

Elevate Entrepreneurs classes meet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, with the next class scheduled to begin March 3. If it’s time to make your own business dream happen, visit the website for details and to register.