MicroEnterprise supports three

FORT MYERS -- The Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise project presented three program graduates with grant assistance for their locally run small businesses.

Christa Lemonakis is the founder of Extend & Mend International, a wig and hair extension distributor; Mark Pasek invented the Tag Along Dolly, a hand truck that attaches to trailer hitches; and Raquel Mendoza will soon open a new massage and spa practice.

The MicroEnterprise project provided Lemonakis and Pasek each with a $2,500 grant, and says Mendoza will receive grant funding “in the coming weeks” as well.

The MicroEnterprise project is administered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. Elliott Rittenhouse Jr. is Goodwill's director of microenterprise, and a leader for the MicroEnterprise project.

The project was launched in 2010, with $85,000 in support from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Since its inception, 71 small business owners have graduated from the program.

In June, Rittenhouse told the Business Review about his plan to raise $100,000 to support additional entrepreneurs based in and around Lee County. (See “Micro business, macro results,” Jun. 3.) http://www.review.net/section/detail/micro-business-macro-results/