RCC GATE Project partners with JobLink and the RCC Small Business Center
What is GATE?
Growing America Through Entrepreneurship (GATE) is a demonstration program funded by the federal government (U.S. Department of Labor) that helps rural dislocated (laid-off) workers approach self-employment as an alternative career path to finding a job. Randolph Community College is one of nine North Carolina sites that will be offering GATE from 2009 through 2011.
GATE provides training and coaching to help rural dislocated workers interested in starting a business in partnership with the RCC JobLink Career Center and Small Business Center. The first stop for a rural dislocated worker interested in the GATE program is the JobLink Career Center located on the RCC campus.
What does the GATE program offer?
GATE is a scholarship program. To apply for GATE you must attend a short orientation session followed by an application submission. Those selected for the scholarship will receive:
• Free individual assessment of entrepreneurial skills
• Free entrepreneurship training and personalized counseling
• Free access to the entire state’s active networks of information for small business
• Access to a microenterprise loan upon completion of a workable business plan
If you are enrolled in GATE full time, you will also receive a waiver from the Employment Security Commission allowing you to suspend your job search activities and visits to the ESC office while you work on developing your business.
Am I eligible to apply for GATE?
Applicants must be a rural dislocated worker (lost a job through no fault of their own due to a business closing or layoff) and be eligible for the Workforce Investment Act WIA program.
Applicants must also be 18 years of age or older and eligible to work in the United States.
How can I apply for the GATE Scholarship?
Register for and attend a group orientation session at the RCC JobLink Career Center on Wednesday from 4:00 to 4:30 PM. After your orientation, you are required to fill out an application either in person or online by going to the website www.ncprojectgate.org. The results of your scholarship application will be mailed to you within 5-10 business days.
629 Industrial Park Avenue
Asheboro, NC 27205
Telephone: 336-633-0306
Fax: 336-626-4599
Jim Judge, GATE Counselor
You can also visit the web site: http://www.ncprojectgate.org or for more information on Business and Industry visit http://www.randolph.edu/business.php.
Asheboro KENJUTSU - "Make The Cut"