Bethel New Life recently celebrated the graduation of its first class from its Entrepreneurship Training Program.
The class of 28 graduates were chosen from more than 167 applicants to participate in the year-long program.
The event celebrated their completion of the 15 weeks of business start-up classes. In addition to class instruction, participants will receive mentors and a capital grant of $6,000 after saving $1,500 of their own money.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans funded the program to strengthen West Side families and the community by helping entrepreneurs create jobs for themselves and others. The private bank has offered graduates a $10,000 micro loan.