LifeBridge Celebrates 18th Graduating Class of Workshop In Business Opportunities (WIBO) Program

Bridgeport, CT—More than 80 proud family members, friends, and board members celebrated the 18th Graduation of LifeBridge Community Services’ WIBO (Workshop In Business Opportunities) program on June 20 at Testo’s Restaurant in Bridgeport.

WIBO, an intensive 16-week training course for current and aspiring small business owners, covers concept development, business planning, financial management, marketing, pricing and personnel management. Graduates can also access ongoing support for their business.

Since 1999, 685 people have now graduated from the LifeBridge program. Businesses created by the 14 WIBO graduates from the Class of Spring 2017 represented a variety of enterprises, from health and beauty products, custom fashion accessories and special event planning to boxing and motivational coaching for youth—as well as many more.

Three graduates spoke briefly about their personal motivations, business goals, and the WIBO experience.

In a moving keynote address, Dr. Paul Broadie II, President of Housatonic Community College, encouraged WIBO graduates to “be unstoppable,” to refuse to let others define their future, and to understand that learning from failure is also success. Referring individually to each graduate’s business enterprise, Broadie reminded them that they were all role models—“to yourselves, your brothers and sisters, and to the entire community.”

Along with several of the graduates, Broadie praised Sandra Carmichael, WIBO Program Coordinator, for her leadership and support of the students’ efforts. “Surround yourself with individuals who will motivate and empower you,” he advised.

At the event, LifeBridge also presented George Chatzopoulos, owner of Chip’s Family Restaurants, with an “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, recognizing the way he grew his business from one restaurant to six, building a successful reputation for excellent food and a family-friendly atmosphere. Chatzopoulos spoke of working 7 days a week as a dishwasher when his family first came to the U.S. He echoed Broadie’s reminder of the importance of working hard. “You must love what you do,” he said.

The next LifeBridge WIBO class begins in late August. Fees are sliding-scale. For more information about the program, contact Sandra Carmichael at scarmichael@lifebridgect.org.

For Media Inquiries Contact: Eileen Brennan, Manager – Marketing and Communications 203-368-5581 or ebrennan@LifeBridgeCT.org. For more information about LifeBridge Community Services, visit our website: www.LifeBridgeCT.org