County Provides Computer Training To Small Businesses Through Incubator Without Walls Program

SS/smallbiz.pr 97-04 Contact: David Edgerley, 301-217-2345

COUNTY PROVIDES COMPUTER TRAINING
TO SMALL BUSINESSES THROUGH
"INCUBATOR WITHOUT WALLS" PROGRAM For Immediate Release: Jan. 6, 1996

Montgomery County recently provided computer training to 10 small business leaders
enrolled in the Department of Economic Development's "Incubator Without Walls" program,
an effort which aids the growth of start-up and small businesses.
"Our new 'Incubator Without Walls' program is intended to help small business owners
learn how to market their services or products more effectively and one of the ways they can
do this is by fully utilizing available technology," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan.
"Small businesses need computer training to gain a competitive edge," added
Economic Development Director David Edgerley.
The computer training was provided by the Silver Spring-based Howard University
Continuing Education Program, through a contract with Montgomery County. Ten business
participants completed the training in December.
The 10-week computer training program was designed specifically to provide
entrepreneurs in the "incubator" program with a wide range of computer skills applicable to
their day-to-day business operations. Eight out of 10 program participants are business
entrepreneurs located in Silver Spring.

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COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAM 2-2-2

"We are very excited to have so many Silver Spring business owners participate in
computer training at Howard," said Dr. Eleanor I. Franklin, Dean of the Howard University
Continuing Education Program. Howard will continue providing technical support to the
successful trainees through business seminars co-sponsored with the Department of Economic
Development.
Gloria Fernwood, owner of Sir Speedy Printing in Silver Spring and a program
participant, said, "I am excited about learning how to market my products and services on the
Internet, and use the computer in my office. With little time for training, because of my
business size, this program fits my busy schedule. The common-sense approach of the
training helped me acquire the computer skills I need to efficiently operate my business."
The 10 business leaders participating in the program included: Isilda Correia of White
Oaks Auto Service, Inc. in Silver Spring; Gloria J. Elliott of Chaconas Florist and Gifts in
Silver Spring; Janice M. and Wanda Freeman of J.M. Freeman Enterprise in Boyds; Lynn
Porges of Sir Speedy Printing in Silver Spring; September Myers of The Urban Genius in
Silver Spring; Marilyn Dawson (Nubia Ceusta) of AfroEsthics TA Special Care Spa in Silver
Spring; Ronald Taylor Mitchell of R.C. and P.J. Corporation in Takoma Park; Ana Paula
Goncalves of Barros Concrete Corporation in Rockville; Rosslyn G. Rowe of Alanni Hair
Designs, Inc. in Silver Spring; and Andrea Bray of Andrea's Fine Hats & Accessories in
Silver Spring.

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COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAM 3-3-3

Since the first computer session, interest in the program has been gaining among
Silver Spring entrepreneurs wanting to participate in the next "Incubator Without Walls"
computer class.
The Howard University Continuing Education Program is now 10 years old. Located
in downtown Silver Spring, the school offers a variety of training, management courses and
computer certification program for adults. The school is fully accredited by the International
Association of Certified Trainers as a certified training provider. Each of the participants
received three continuing education units.
For more information on the "Incubator Without Walls" program, sponsored by the
Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, contact DeVance Walker at
(301) 217-2345.

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