Program Now Escala, Small Business Program of NVFS
(Oakton, Va. – February 2, 2015) NVFS’ Hispanic Entrepreneurship Program is changing its name to Escala, the Small Business Program of NVFS, and also has recently expanded its services to better serve a growing client base in Prince William County. Small business consulting is now available at the SERVE Campus in Manassas by appointment.
Several factors contributed to the new name. In a study completed by the program last year, NVFS staff discovered that only 25% of clients, partners and volunteers could correctly identify the previous name of the program. In addition, the lengthy program name and ambiguous meaning was further compounded by translation into Spanish.
Escala’s translation means “to climb,” “to scale up” or “ladder.” The new name better communicates the program mission to support launching and growing sustainable businesses that increase household incomes, create jobs and contribute to the local economy. “With the Program’s expansion into Prince William County and plans to grow our services, it was definitely the moment to embrace a new name,” said Adrienne Kay, Escala program manager. “I advise our clients to choose short, memorable, meaningful names for their businesses, and I knew that we should do the same for the program title.”
Escala’s services include:
- One-on-one business consulting
- A four-week basic start-up course
- A ten-week business plan course, NxLevel
- Crowdfunding campaigns to invest in small business plans
- ?An annual business plan competition
- Additional workshops and events
Escala is housed at NVFS’ Multicultural Center, 6400 Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church. Classes and consulting services are currently offered at this location.
