Eleven local entrepreneurs are now graduates of the first Build Institute Fort Wayne Business Planning Education class. The program is sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne’s Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) and Indiana Michigan Power.

The entrepreneurs recently graduated from the eight-week course designed for individuals interested in developing a business plan. The Build Institute program offers a general curriculum that is adaptable to any kind of startup; meals and childcare are provided to help remove barriers to participation.

The inaugural class graduates include: Chauntell Adlam, Lyndy Bazile, Sheila Campbell, Nakeya Chambers, Leah Eber, Regenia Jones, Miguel Loaisa, April Long-Jackson, Amparo Rojas, Cornell Wiley and Dameta Williams.

“We at the SEED are pleased and excited to play a part in changing the lives of these individuals and their families and know that they will have an impact on the economic landscape of the City of Fort Wayne,” said Pat Turner, SEED board president.

Additional Build Institute sessions are now taking registrations. The $175 participation fee is returned to the graduate upon completion of the course to invest in their future business. Individuals interested in signing up for a future Build Institute course should visit www.SEEDfw.org, or email AskSEED@CityofFortWayne.org.