Published: Nov 6, 2023
Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership Foundation Receives a $30,000 Grant from Truist Foundation to Support Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Ocala, Florida (November 7, 2023) – The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership Foundation announced it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Truist Foundation to support inclusive entrepreneurship efforts in the Ocala Metro area.
“We are grateful for Truist Foundation’s support as we work to make the Ocala Metro a prosperous community for ALL who call it home. We believe that one of the best ways to impact communities is through entrepreneurship. This grant will allow us to continue to expand entrepreneurship services in under resourced communities,” said Kevin Sheilley, CCE, President and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership.
The IMPACT Initiative, an inclusive entrepreneurship program of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), was launched in 2020 with a mission to help Marion County residents create their own jobs and wealth generators. The diverse communities of Silver Spring Shores, West Ocala, and Marion Oaks were identified as target communities where entrepreneurship could thrive if additional resources were made available. IMPACT brings onsite technical assistance, in-depth business training, and networking opportunities to these communities so entrepreneurs can receive the support they need to plan, launch, and grow their businesses.
“Truist is deeply committed to ensuring entrepreneurs of all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive,” said Loren Thrasher, Truist Market President. “We’re proud to support the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership Foundation as its work aligns with our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities.”
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About the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership
The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) was created to be a one-stop hub for the community’s business attraction, creation and retention efforts. The CEP’s mission is to be THE catalyst for a prosperous community. The 2020 ACCE National Chamber of the Year, the CEP has directly impacted the announced creation of nearly 11,000 new jobs and more than $1.6 billion in capital investment and is seeking an additional 5,000 jobs and $1 billion in investment by 2027. For more information, visit: www.OcalaCEP.com.
About the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation
The Ocala Metro CEP Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that supports programs and initiatives to grow talent development, promote entrepreneurship, and cultivate leaders in the Ocala Metro. To learn more, visit FoundationCEP.org.
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.
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