State officials recognize three Eastern Shore entrepreneurs for their completion of the Public Assistance to Entrepreneurship program. From left are Steven H. Benden of the Maryland Department of Human Services, Ira Nichols, Talisha Dodd, Clark Kennard and Joanne King of the Dorchester County Department of Social Services.
State officials recognize three Eastern Shore entrepreneurs for their completion of the Public Assistance to Entrepreneurship program. From left are Steven H. Benden of the Maryland Department of Human Services, Ira Nichols, Talisha Dodd, Clark Kennard and Joanne King of the Dorchester County Department of Social Services.
CAMBRIDGE — Local Department of Social Services directors, Maryland Small Business Development Center representatives and others convened in Dorchester County to honor three entrepreneurs from the Eastern Shore.
Clark Kennard of Kent County, Talisha Dodd of Talbot County and Ira Nichols of Dorchester County were recognized for completing the Public Assistance to Entrepreneurship program, or PA2E, by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
In a news release, Steve Benden, director of strategy and performance with the Department of Human Services, said he appreciated the honorees’ participation in the PA2E program.
According to the release, the program was inspired by Harvard Business School research. It was designed to provide business development training, tools and techniques to individuals who are receiving public assistance and also dream of owning a business while driving economic development.
Shelly Neal-Edwards, director of the Kent County Department of Social Services, was jubilant for Kennard, the release states. Kennard oversees his own lawn equipment repair business.
“Clark’s participation in PA2E demonstrates his will to succeed through learning,” she said in a statement. “Kent County is richer for having his business presence here.”
Benden praised the SBDC for its partnership, as it provided training to the program graduates.
“This PA2E strategy has demonstrated its ability to enhance and expand Maryland’s current workforce development programs to provide resources and training to individuals receiving assistance with the ultimate goal of independently supporting themselves and their families,” the release states.
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