Media Advisory: UB to honor first graduates of new Kensington Bailey business program

By Kevin Manne

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Nine entrepreneurs will graduate from the inaugural Allstate Entrepreneur Support program, which brings business owners together to help transform Buffalo’s Kensington-Bailey business district.

What: A graduation ceremony and reception for participants in the first-ever Allstate Entrepreneur Support program. The program is made possible thanks to a $75,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation and a partnership between the School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), the Bailey Avenue Business Association and UB’s Office of Government and Community Relations.

Who: Nine small-business owners from Buffalo’s Kensington Bailey business district. This year’s program participants include:

• Sheila Clency, owner of Crowns of Glory;
• Civic Davis, owner of New Style Records;
• Paul Diamond, owner of Bailey’s Furniture;
• Pearl Hammond, owner of West African International;
• Damone Henderson, owner of Barber Business;
• Brian Lewis, owner of Zion’s Beauties;
• Hyacinth Patterson, owner of Caribbean Experience;
• Darrell Shepherd, owner of Shepherd’s Liquor; and
• Annette Watts, owner of Ann Rhod’s Tailoring.

Why: Participants benefit from seminars, networking, mentoring and additional resources to help grow their businesses. The grant also provides discounted tuition for participants, and graduates receive financial support to make improvements to their business locations.

When: Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4. Reception to follow.

Where: Imperial Plaza, 3039 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, in the heart of the business district.