Corporations welcome new coordinator

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Economic Development Corp. and the Norwalk Economic Development Corp. welcome Alissa Fisher to their teams as the new RISE coordinator. RISE is a shortened term for the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Fisher comes from a background in design and account management. "Her skills in organization and communication will help her support RISE clients in their pursuit of starting, growing and maintaining their businesses," according to an organizational statement. "I am excited for the opportunity to help aspiring entrepreneurs in my community fulfill their dreams," Fisher added. Fisher will be responsible for developing, promoting and executing the entrepreneurial support services both corporations offer. Advisers in the program will help businesses identify key tasks, develop a plan for achieving them and access the people and resources those businesses need to grow. "Small businesses and entrepreneurship are on the rise in our area. Alissa will be a huge asset to keep up with program demand and respond to clients' evolving needs," said Abbey Bemis, Erie County's corporation executive director. In 2021, the Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship conducted 101 advising sessions with entrepreneurs, which is a three-year high. "We're so proud to have reached this milestone, the point where the entrepreneurial vision and talent in our community requires full-time support staff. We're excited for Alissa to support local startups and growing small businesses on their growth journeys," said Sarah Ross, Norwalk's corporation executive director. About Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship (RISE) RISE, Regional Incubator for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, is operated by the Erie County Economic Development Corp., the Norwalk Economic Development Corp. and BGSU Firelands. The program offers support for entrepreneurs and businesses by linking them to a wide range of assistance and skilled providers with expertise in business start-up, development and acceleration. "Fisher's hire comes with the excitement of celebrating the RISE program's 10th year," according to an organizational statement. "In that time, RISE has served over 300 entrepreneurs across many stages of development and industries in the north-central Ohio region." People can visit eriecountyedc.org/rise for more information.