May 20, 2009
Media Advisory -- Operation Bootstrap Graduation
It’s graduation time at Operation Bootstrap. A collaborative business training program from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority, the program’s second and final spring class will graduate Thursday, May 21, in Du Quoin.
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the 3 p.m. graduation ceremony at the American Legion Hall Post 647, located at 900 S. Jefferson Ave. There will be a reception from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. recognizing the accomplishments of 34 graduates who have recently completed the entrepreneurship program.
Sponsored through the SIUC Office of Economic and Regional Development’s Entrepreneurship and Business Development Unit, the program drew participants from all over Southern Illinois for an intensive six-week training program. The training, for those interested in starting a new business or formalizing a business they already have, gave participants the chance to create individual business plans and consider their viability.
During Thursday’s ceremony, 10 Operation Bootstrap graduates meeting competition criteria will receive $3,500 and another will receive $2,500 in business development grant funding. The city of Du Quoin and Man-Tra-Con have assisted in offering this business opportunity.
For more information about Operation Bootstrap or the graduation and awards ceremony, contact Kim Sanders, program coordinator, at 618/453-2078.