Meet Caroline Bastarache: ‘Start-Up’ Scholarship Recipient 2016
Davis & Hodgdon Associates is very pleased to announce that Caroline Bastarache is the 2016 recipient of the firm’s annual “Start Up” scholarship.
“Start Up” is the Mercy Connections’ Women’s Small Business Program (WSBP) comprehensive instructor-led course, equipping students with the real-world knowledge required to take their business ideas from concept to reality. Students complete a 15-week curriculum with experienced instructors on topics focused on finance, marketing and business management, culminating in the completion of a “bank ready” business plan.
The scholarship was developed as a result of the *signature partnership between Davis & Hodgdon and Mercy Connections’ WSBP. It is presented to an entrepreneurial-spirited individual with great potential for turning their business idea into a profitable venture.
The 2nd Annual “Start Up” scholarship was presented to Caroline towards her tuition for the 2016 fall/winter session. Caroline is participating in the program with the goal of writing a business plan to open a movie theater with a full-service restaurant in Vermont sometime in the next 3-5 years.
Her passion for film and food began at a very young age as she watched her mother, a chef, manage her own restaurant and then later when she began her own work life at 14 years old in a move theater. Originally from Clinton, MA, Caroline graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Entertainment Management and certificate in Film Studies. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles where she lived with her sister and worked at NBC Universal before coming to Vermont.
Davis & Hodgdon Associates is very pleased to announce that Caroline Bastarache is the 2016 recipient of the firm’s annual “Start Up” scholarship.
“Start Up” is the Mercy Connections’ Women’s Small Business Program (WSBP) comprehensive instructor-led course, equipping students with the real-world knowledge required to take their business ideas from concept to reality. Students complete a 15-week curriculum with experienced instructors on topics focused on finance, marketing and business management, culminating in the completion of a “bank ready” business plan.
The scholarship was developed as a result of the *signature partnership between Davis & Hodgdon and Mercy Connections’ WSBP. It is presented to an entrepreneurial-spirited individual with great potential for turning their business idea into a profitable venture.
The 2nd Annual “Start Up” scholarship was presented to Caroline towards her tuition for the 2016 fall/winter session. Caroline is participating in the program with the goal of writing a business plan to open a movie theater with a full-service restaurant in Vermont sometime in the next 3-5 years.
Her passion for film and food began at a very young age as she watched her mother, a chef, manage her own restaurant and then later when she began her own work life at 14 years old in a move theater. Originally from Clinton, MA, Caroline graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Entertainment Management and certificate in Film Studies. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles where she lived with her sister and worked at NBC Universal before coming to Vermont.
“The fusion of great food and film is a natural fit for me and I am so excited to turn my passion into a reality”, noted Caroline: “I think Vermonters will love the idea of a movie theater/restaurant and they will appreciate a film experience while enjoying “new American” cuisine that is dedicated to using local, sustainable foods.” Caroline is set to graduate from “Start Up” in December and is currently working full-time at a food company in Burlington.
*The signature partnership of Davis & Hodgdon and the Mercy Connections’ WSBP was developed to leverage the expertise of both organizations – resulting in a concentrated social mission effort to develop a deeper, more sustainable impact within our local community. Additional segments of the partnership include event sponsorship, business service support and pro-bono assistance.
For more information about the firm’s CSR policy and the signature partnership model for small- to medium-sized businesses please refer to our 5-part blog series and click here.
Caroline Bastarache, Start Up scholarship recipient and Carmen Tall, Director of WSBP.
