by Essex County Community Foundation
Three Lawrence business owners whose establishments were affected by the Sept. 13, 2018 gas explosions have graduated from an accelerator program designed to help them grow, build resiliency and reach their financial goals.
It’s called the Negocios Exitosos (Successful Businesses) program, run by EparaTodos, a nonprofit focused on generating economic and social impact through entrepreneurship in local communities.
The year-long program consists of 13 weeks of training, including weekly classroom time with local experts on bookkeeping, marketing, hiring and more, and a mentorship program. Each business is paired with two mentors who work closely with them to develop long-term plans and goals. Mentors and business owners work collaboratively to execute plans and reach those goals over the course of nine months.
Triana’s Real Mexican Food, Glenny Fashion Boutique and Curiosity – three Lawrence businesses affected by the gas disaster – have completed the accelerator program.
The EparaTodos accelerator program, originally developed to assist those looking to transform a new idea into a business, has been adapted to assist those existing businesses impacted by the gas explosions.