Hyannis, MA - February 8, 2023 – The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce a $30,000 grant over three years to EforAll Cape Cod. The investment will support more than 300 diverse entrepreneurs across the Cape and Islands who are looking to build the skills and social capital needed to launch their ventures through EforAll’s Business Accelerator Program and Pitch Contests.
“Our Charitable Foundation is honored to support the resources and programs EforAll offers to entrepreneurs throughout the Cape and Islands,” said Andrea Borowiecki, Vice President of Charitable Giving & Community Engagement at Rockland Trust. “Rockland Trust was founded by a group of business owners looking to give back to their communities. We are proud to carry on that legacy by partnering with organizations like EforAll that allow us to invest in local entrepreneurs and businesses of tomorrow.”
EforAll Cape Cod offers a comprehensive suite of programming, some specifically geared toward women and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Each year they serve over 100 entrepreneurs through their free programming which provides training, mentorship and the chance to win capital. In addition, EforAll alumni can apply for a six-month period of residence in a retail storefront in Mashpee Commons shopping center. On top of that, participants have access to workshops, networking and the organization’s peer-to-peer sibling program, Entrepreneurs Forever.
“EforAll Cape Cod relies on financial support from the community to keep all programming free to entrepreneurs. Rockland Trust's multiyear financial commitment helps us empower Cape Codders from all backgrounds to turn their dreams into businesses now and into the future,” said Christin Marshall, Executive Director at EforAll Cape Cod.
In February, the spring 2023 Business Accelerator Program kicked off and between 13-15 local entrepreneurs will be accept to launch businesses. Accepted entrepreneurs go to a business class twice a week, get paired with a team of three mentors with whom they meet weekly and have a chance to win cash awards to move their business forward based on progress in the program.
Since launching in 2018, EforAll Cape Cod has served entrepreneurs from each of the Cape's fifteen towns and 99 local entrepreneurs have launched businesses through their programs. Critical to their mission, EforAll guides ambitious Cape Codders to turn their dreams into businesses regardless of experience, education, background, or zip code. The program helps local entrepreneurs gain basic business knowledge and specialized instruction to help navigate the Cape’s unique seasonal economy. Some businesses who have launched through these programs include Buttercup Café, Green Road Refill and Seaside Bridal Couture.