WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2014- AdvantEdge Business Centers served as a Catalyst level sponsor for the 2014 Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Global Gala. Founder and CEO, Prakash Gavri, and other AdvantEdge Staff attended the gala in support of NFTE’s educational business programs at schools in low-income areas around Washington, D.C. and abroad. The NFTE Global Gala, held at the National Building Museum, celebrated 20 years of NFTE programs in the D.C. Metro area, and featured keynote speaker, Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour, Inc.
“Our sponsors are a vital part of NFTE. Our students excel when caring adults are engaged in their lives and passionate about their success. We are so grateful to our sponsors, such as AdvantEdge, that are committed to entrepreneurship and supporting today’s youth,” said Kara Johnson, Director of Development at NFTE.
A Catalyst level sponsor of the NFTE Global Gala, AdvantEdge sponsors one student through a year of entrepreneurship training with NFTE’s DC Region program. Jonathan Desjardins, Director of Marketing at AdvantEdge, has been working with NFTE for over two years both inside and outside of the classroom. Through his position as the Chair of the Development Committee for the NFTE D.C. Region E-Council, Jonathan collaborates with other young professionals to assist in fundraising and volunteer efforts for the D.C. NFTE program. Throughout the year, AdvantEdge also donates meeting spaces for NFTE business plan coaching sessions and teacher development seminars.
Gavri spoke about the relationship with NFTE, “As a local small business, AdvantEdge understands the importance of providing opportunities and skills to the next generation of business leaders in the DC region.” Concerning the importance of the NFTE program he added, “We are proud to support the efforts of NFTE in the classroom as a way to serve low-income students and give them incentive to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.”
AdvantEdge proudly supports the NFTE program, which gives underserved youth in the Washington, D.C. metro area vital math and presentation skills, and the chance to realize the dream of creating their own business while encouraging students to stay in school and attend college. The Gala serves as an opportunity for NFTE students to present their businesses in a celebration of entrepreneurship with students, NFTE teachers, and over 1,000 businesses dedicated to giving today’s youth opportunities for learning and0r growth. Each year NFTE hosts a business plan competition allowing students from 18 states and 11 countries worldwide to compete for prizes that help make their dreams a reality. This year’s regional competition will occur on May 16 that Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C.
About the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship:
Since 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life. NFTE is the only global nonprofit organization solely focused on bringing entrepreneurship education to youth in low-income communities. To date, NFTE programs have served over 500,000 young people globally and 25,000 locally. Currently, NFTE programs are active in 12 countries and 21 U.S. states. Here in the DC Region, we have programs in 29 schools and reach close to 1,100 young people annually.
About AdvantEdge Business Centers:
Since 1988, AdvantEdge Business Centers has been a leader in the Washington, D.C. executive office suites industry, providing distinctive, flexible, and customized office spaces and a variety of other workspace solutions. With over 80 years of combined managerial experience, AdvantEdge provides unparalleled support, individualized solutions, and on-site assistance to help clients expand their businesses and organizations and realize their goals.
