SBDC Celebrates Entrepreneurs of the Year and Hosts WIN in Business “AI for Small Businesses” Luncheon

SBDC Celebrates Entrepreneurs of the Year and Hosts WIN in Business

“AI for Small Businesses” Luncheon

Jamestown, NY – April 15, 2025 – The Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College invites business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members to its upcoming WIN in Business luncheon event, featuring AI Certified SBDC Business Advisor, Brian Rovegno.  In celebration of National Small Business Week, the SBDC will also honor two outstanding local entrepreneurs with the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

This engaging session will take place at 11:30am on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Jamestown Community College, Magnano Room, located at 260 N Union Street, Olean, NY 14760.

WIN in Business is a monthly program open to anyone in the small business sector. It offers a welcoming space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and address common challenges over lunch. Each session begins with participant introductions—where attendees are encouraged to share one thing about their business—followed by a presentation from an experienced guest speaker. Bring your business cards and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to connect with other professionals in the community.

The Small Business Guide to AI presentation will focus on tools and practical strategies of AI to implement into your business.  Learn how to use AI to help your small business thrive, explore practical AI applications and discover free tools you can start using today. This session is perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs ready to embrace the future of technology.  The presentation will include information about AI basics and using AI for growth in marketing, automation, customer service, and data analysis.

Brian Rovegno is a valued Business Advisor with the Small Business Development Center team, joining their ranks in the fall of 2019, and receiving his national AI Certification in 2024. Originally from Erie, PA and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and the University of Nottingham, UK, he relocated to the area with his family after 18 years in Colorado. He is passionate about working with clients and helping local businesses prosper, bringing extensive experience in marketing and social media development to the role. Brian is currently serving as the Board President of the Chautauqua Leadership Network.

This program is sponsored by Community Bank, NA.  Pre-registration is required.  To reserve your spot or learn more about the WIN in Business program, contact the SBDC at 716-338-1024 or visit www.sbdcjcc.org.

Entrepreneurs of the Year

Every year since 1963, the President of the US has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.  More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the US each year.  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College is honored to recognize the tremendous efforts of the local small business community and announce the Cattaraugus County 2025 Entrepreneurs of the Year during National Small Business Week, May 4-10, 2025.

These businesses are recognized for overcoming obstacles and contributing to the economic growth of the area.

Arnim Alexander, an entrepreneur who began working with the SBDC in 2022 and has since launched a medical transportation business while exploring new ventures, opened Royal Cuts Barbershop Salon, where style meets tradition in the heart of Olean, New York. Expert barbers offer precision haircuts, beard trims, and classic shaves in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space features vintage chairs, sleek mirrors, local art, and complimentary refreshments for a relaxing experience. At Royal Cuts, they focus on building community by getting to know each client’s unique style.

Brooklyn John Tait owner of Rogue Force Training, a fitness studio specializing in "Functional Fitness" designed to enhance proper ergonomics and form when exercising. He has added a number of training certifications and expanded his services significantly since initially meeting with the SBDC in 2022. He offers services such as: mobility and flexibility programs, functional fitness, suspension and nutrition training, and some self-defense classes.

**There will be a press conference in Chautauqua County on May 9 at 10am at 150 N Portage Street, Westfield to recognize our two other Entrepreneurs of the Year:  Julie Ambrose, owner of St. Elmo Spa and Carrie and Levi Swanson, owners of Sweeterson Farms.  We will also celebrate the US Small Business Administration New York Small Business Person of the Year, Melissa Baideme, owner of CK Natural Fruit Juice, LLC.

About the SBDC

Administered by the US Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) vision is to create economic sustainability for all New Yorkers – one business at a time.  The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business.  Services are free and confidential and include a range of management and technical assistance from business plan development, accounting guidance, productivity enhancement and export assistance to loan information, marketing, and financial planning among other services.  For more information contact 716-338-1024 or go to www.sbdcjcc.org.