West End entrepreneurship program goes countywide

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The West End Neighborhood House Launcher Entrepreneurship Program is expanding the program through a new partnership.

The program from the Wilmington nonprofit offers training, mentoring, and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

The program has trained 792 entrepreneurs, led to the formation or expansion of 256 businesses, and added or retained 483 jobs.

West End is expanding its impact through a partnership with New Castle County.

With the county’s support, Launcher will be able to expand the program by training 75 new entrepreneurs, foster the initiation of 15 or more business startups or expansions, and aid in the creation of over 30 new job opportunities by the end of 2024.

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 “We’re excited to continue our partnership with West End and the Launcher Program,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “The program invests valuable resources to new and expanding business creating services, and, more importantly, jobs in our communities.”

This expansion involves the addition of five new classes located near libraries at three different county libraries: Bear/Glasgow, Claymont, & Route. 9. A release stated that These classes will focus on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses that were disproportionately affected by the challenges posed by Covid-19.

West End’s Executive Director, Paul Calistro, said, “We are excited to partner with the county to continue to expand upon this successful entrepreneurial program as we continue to launch hundreds of new jobs.”

West End Neighborhood House is a community organization that works to improve the lives of residents on the west side of Wilmington and other areas.

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