Allstate's Mentoring Program was much more than I expected! The classes were helpful and to the point and on subjects we asked for. My mentors were outstanding. I give this program and A+.
-Terry Baker, Owner/Manager
Lake Effect Laundry

This program made me realize that my dreams were very feasible. It opened my eyes to a new market and made me grow as better entrepreneurs. With the help of my mentor and other individuals, I have improved in my public speaking skills and have gained confidence in knowing that I can reach my goals. I am grateful for this program and I am willing and ready to take my business to the next level.
-Harriett Black, Owner
Hair Concepts by Duchess

Being in this program has been the best experience I could have had being a new business owner. Refining my business plan with the help of other small business owners was a very encouraging and eye opening experince. I really feel that my journey is just beginning. Now I have guidance and direction from the first session on business planning to do my presentation, has prepared me to be fully present in what I would like to accomplish in my life and community. This program has taken my fears and replaced them with challenging opportunities. I feel like I won by jst being offered the chance to be part of this program, I don't know how I was chosen but thank who ever was responsible for picking my name.
-Freida Joyce, Owner/Operator
The Cafe at Masten & Eaton

This program has allowed me and my business to grow tremendously. Without the help and support of the workshops and the guidance of my mentors, my business would probably have ended up more like a hobby than a business. It was also a great help to me that the program ws provided at no cost. Thank you!
-Junko Kanamura, Owner
East Meets West Goodies

The mentoring program has been absolutely wonderful on a professional and a personal level. Professionally, it has helped us make our business a full-time reality. The program has given us the support we needed to understand our business. It has also given us the courage to work on our business and not in our business to make it a success! On a personal level it has assisted me in rediscovering my netowrking abilities and my desire to be asuccessful entrepreneur along with my husband. I truly had a wonderful experience as a 2005 protege and had an opportunity to meet so many wonderful and successful people here in Buffalo, New York. I thank the organizers of this program for their vision, the mentors for their time and expertise, and my fellow proteges for their strength and entrepreneurial spirit, all of which have helped me succeed.
-Alexa Ward, President/Owner
Emani Kemet, Inc. (dba Gallery 51)

Singleton Construction Consultants has benefited immensly from the CEL mentoring program. My mentors, Randy Epstein ans Bob Shaw helped me put my business on the right track to success. The workshops were excellent and very helpful for the growth of my business. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a participant in this program.
-Carla Singleton, President & CEO
Singleton Construction Consultants, Inc.

Excellent program! Actively working with the mentors is one of the highlights. The program structure allows proteges the opportunity to interact with local & national business professionals. A "must" for the burgeoning entrepreneur.
-Donna Pratt, President
Kadoma International

Mentors

Graduating from the program last year and this year serving as a mentor, I was able to give my protege insight on what is expected and encourage her to invest in her business the timing needed for effective planning.
-Laurice Vance
2004 Progtege of the Year and 2005 Mentor

An excellent program to encourage and guide new entrepreneurs in growing their business with sound priciples and advice. The CEL office provides continual support and encouragement for the mentors and proteges to ensure regular communication between all involved. As a mentor, being involved in a business start up is what we are all about and this program allows us to share in those feelings of excitement, risk and visionary success with the new entrepreneurs.
-Cindy Wallawander

The MWEE program is a truly innovative approach to assisting start up and young companies by providing mentors from the business community to develop business plans and operating strategy.
-David Cervi

The talent and determination of the program participants has been impressive. In most cases, all these entrepreneurs need is some coaching to remove the barriers to their success. It has been a very rewarding expreience to both mentor and learn from the participants in the program.
-Joseph Floss

The mentoring program is a wonderful learning experience in which both the mentor and protege recieve enormous value and perspective. I highly recommend the program for anyone starting out in business.
-Don Hahn