Lyle and his wife Jessica
Student Uses Grant to Help Other Small Businesses
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Tech aficionados Lyle Brown and his wife, Jessica Bondy, left their small town in California to access a greater pool of job opportunities in Phoenix.
While Brown knew he wanted to work in technology, he also knew a degree would take him further in his career.
“I currently perform technical consulting, but I would like to work as an IT project manager, business analyst, systems administrator, or programmer,” Brown said. “While this is a large list of potential careers, I believe most of them are unattainable without a bachelor's degree.”
Brown enrolled in the bachelor's degree in information technology program at Phoenix College to improve his knowledge of computer systems and hone his skills in other areas such as project management and communications.
He is also taking online courses at Rio Salado College to apply toward his degree program at Phoenix College, which he hopes to complete in 2025.
“I am attending Rio Salado to complete required courses for my bachelor’s degree,” Brown said. “I chose Rio for my second semester after having great experiences with the friendly staff and because the RioLearn system is easy to use.”
While taking classes at Rio, Brown learned about the Wells Fargo Advancing Small Businesses grants for student entrepreneurs. He applied for and received a grant award to help get his new business venture off the ground.
“I have always wanted to support small businesses by helping them implement technology solutions that allow them to work with their customers and products more efficiently,” Brown said.
Brown partnered with his wife to create a design company.
“Jessica has expertise working on graphic design and social media. We created Accent Digital Designs to help provide a well-rounded set of solutions for small businesses through the design of digital and print materials.”
Rio Salado’s Accounting Faculty Chair Dr. Lily Davidov finds it gratifying that the grant program can help make a difference in the lives of student entrepreneurs.
“It's always a gratifying moment when we extend support to small business owners to initiate or expand their ventures,” Davidov said. “Our grants, which cater to all majors, offer students a distinctive opportunity through startup funding and entrepreneurial education.”
Rio Salado offers two certificate programs in Entrepreneurial Studies that equip students with essential business skills. Two additional certificates in Small Business Management provide students the necessary tools for operating and growing their enterprises.
The Wells Fargo Scholarship (search for “advancing entrepreneurship”) covers the course expenses for both certificates.
Brown and Bondy will use grant funds for startup materials, product purchases and professional memberships that will help expand their business.
In addition to funding, student entrepreneurs who receive Wells Fargo grants also get guidance and advice from the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Brown said he is already seeing his Rio education positively impact his business venture.
“Rio Salado has already helped me with some of our business activities,” Brown said. “As one example, the Web Development Level 1 course provided useful skills that I leveraged when working on our website.”
He encourages future students to consider taking classes at Rio Salado.
“I would absolutely recommend Rio, especially for online students,” Brown said. “The RioLearn platform is very easy to use for accessing lessons. All of my instructors left personal notes on my assignments, and I feel like they put in effort to ensure their students are successful.”
If you are or know a deserving student entrepreneur, complete the Advancing Small Businesses Grant Application online.
RELATED LINKS
New Scholarships Available for Rio Salado Students
AZFamily Features New AHCCCS Scholarships for Behavioral Health Students
Student Uses Grant to Improve Access to Quality Food