G.E.T. Ribbon Cutting at Hudson Valley Entrepreneurial Expo

With the current state of the economy, small businesses are hurting. However, there's a new resource out there for them from GET (Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows, Inc.). This new organization held its ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday at the 6th Annual Hudson Valley Entrepreneurial Conference and Expo at the SUNY Rockland Community College Haverstraw Extension Center.

GET fills the gap in existing services by starting its work at the basic, early stages in the life cycle of any new business: the germination period where ideas are formed, according to its website.

"This is the sixth annual expo that we have been doing across the mid-hudson at different locations each year," said Enrique Rob Lunski, president of GET. "It's a day full of activities and networking events. This year it's to promote the Village of Haverstraw and its businesses. Emily Dominguez and her committee has been key in promoting this event and I'm very thankful to her."

GET's office is located at 41 New Main St. in Haverstraw and individuals and businesses can call 845.787.4328 or email info@gethudsonvalley.org to set up an appointment.

"I'm happy that we're at our Haverstraw location. Any activity where we're involved with the community is great for everybody," said Dr. Cliff L. Wood, president of Rockland Community College. Wood said he was also excited about the expo because he is the Rockland County representative for the mid-Hudson Economic Development Council.

GET's services are available to minorities and low income families:

• With an idea to start a new business in the Hudson Valley
• Have not been previously exposed to a business environment
• Lack entrepreneurial skills
• Do not know what to do with their ideas

GET offers

• Free Confidential Consulting
• Business Training
• Access to Regional Opportunities
• Mentorship Program
• Micro-Loans
• Peer Saving programs

At Friday's expo, there were ongoing workshops throughout the day.

"It's a greate event. (Seminars) It's something we've been running in the county clerk's office twice a year. We send out information to new businesses," said County Clerk Paul Piperato. "A new business, they don't always know where to go after that. Something like this is a great resource for small businesses. Now more than ever we need to support our small businesses and help them succeed."

There were about 30 organizations and businesses with booths set up at the center.

"It's a fabulous way to bring the community together for an informative and effective busines development," said Altea McKean, Provident Bank managing director.