CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For new and seasoned business owners, there are a lot of things to know about planning, marketing and making your business successful.
A Charlotte woman is helping local entrepreneurs find ways to get ahead using tough lessons she learned along the way.
Resource guide: How to get ahead in 2024
Valencia Andrews knows firsthand what it means to take a leap of faith. After 20 years of being a nurse, she left her job and turned her passion into a career.
"I didn't have any resources," she said. "I didn't have anyone to guide me or to hold my hand, so I learned along the way."
Andrews said her journey wasn't easy. Two of her businesses failed, but she didn't let that stop her. Instead, she decided to let those hard lessons be the example to teach others what not to do. And thus, Entrepreneurs on the Rise was born.
"I had this vision to help other entrepreneurs not fail forward, help them grow into their growth and that's where Entrepreneurs on the Rise came from," Andrews said.
To let us know how WCNC Charlotte can help you get ahead in 2024, email us at newstips@wcnc.com.
It's a membership club that started in Atlanta to help small business owners build relationships, receive coaching and access resources that will help their companies rise with a purpose.
"Experience is the key," Andrews said. "Once you've done it — you failed and found success — that alone leverages you for advising."
Now expanding to Charlotte, Andrews is making a promise to impact at least 1,000 entrepreneurs in and around the area by the end of 2024. The first Entrepreneurs on the Rise networking event in Charlotte will have bankers, investors and veteran business owners willing to share their experiences to help those launching a new career get ahead.
"We're going to talk about what banks look for when entrepreneurs come in," she said.
The Entrepreneurs on the Rise event will be held April 21 at Skyline Terrace.
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