GEM - Growing Entrepreneurs for a Strong Tomorrow

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

To build a stronger tomorrow for our community, Marion knew it was imperative to reverse the decline in local entrepreneurs and new small business start-ups. Strong entrepreneurship is critical to building community wealth.

In 2016, the Marion Business Association, the City of Marion, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, and McDowell Technical Community College Small Business Center partnered to create the Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) program, with the Downtown Business District as the test site.

Using the REAL curriculum, GEM offers an eight-class training program teaching basic entrepreneur skills, community demographics, small business impact on the community, networking skills, proper legal structure, and how to navigate local building codes and inspectors. On completion of the GEM course, participants have created a detailed business plan.

Based on available funding and quality business plans, GEM participants can apply for $5,000 grants for rental and utility assistance if they open retail, food or beverage, or entertainment businesses in the City of Marion, commit to participating fully in Downtown events, remain open a minimum number of hours, and create jobs.

Due to the success of the program in Downtown Marion and the lack of available commercial spaces, the GEM program is now offered to all areas of Marion that meet the same qualifying criteria.

HOW WAS GEM ACCOMPLISHED?

The Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) program was accomplished through partnerships with local agencies. The City of Marion provided initial seed funding. Other funding partners include the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the McDowell Tourism Development Authority, and the Marion Business Association, which added $1,500. Duke Energy added $8,000. Some local small businesses have also made small donations.

All classes are offered through McDowell Technical Community College Small Business Center (MTCC), providing structured registration and follow-up for small businesses — both start-ups and those updating existing business plans. MTCC covers all instructor costs.

MBA staff follow GEM businesses to ensure they meet the requirements of the grant and to provide assistance as the business establishes itself, drawing on a variety of resources to support the new businesses.

HOW DOES GEM FILL A NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY?

Downtown Marion is the “living room” of the community and needs to reflect the economic health of the community. With a high vacancy rate and a revolving door of businesses coming and going, it was imperative that Marion provide an innovative and engaging curriculum to prepare new business owners to effectively operate their business. The GEM program has provided that incentive and has also created a strong network among GEM graduates.

GEM businesses are more likely to work together for promotions, network together, and support each other’s businesses. This camaraderie and fraternal atmosphere have been an added bonus. Getting to know new business owners as they pursue their passions has created a trust relationship with the Marion Business Association that has strengthened the business community.

WHY IS GEM A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES?

Growing Entrepreneurs Marion is easily replicated in other communities. The REAL curriculum and REAL instructors are readily available to any economic development program.  The Marion Business Association willingly shares its resources and materials. Key property owners have been very supportive since the program has filled long-time vacancies.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

• Certificates issued: 235 for completed business plans

• Investment (2016–2025): $6,455,637 in total investment, including $1,535,954 in community investment

• Jobs created: 166 full-time and 145 part-time

• GEM Grants awarded in Downtown: 22 new Downtown businesses; 13 are still in business

• Commercial properties purchased by GEM businesses: 16 

• Spanish-language expansion: In partnership with the McDowell Tech Small Business Center, the GEM program has been translated into Spanish and now serves the Hispanic community

• Programs modeled after GEM: Sanford, NC.  Ottumwa, Iowa won state awards for their Business Builder Academy, based on the GEM program

TOTAL GEM INVESTMENT TO DATE

• GEM Grants: $83,600

• In-kind support (McDowell Technical Community College Small Business Center): $79,000

The return on investment Downtown as a result of the GEM Program to date is more than $3,870 for every $1 of grant.