October 2, 2008

CONTACT:

Eula M. Young, COO

212-281-2286

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http://www.griotsrollproduction.com/

Derrick M. Guest, CEO & Founder of Griot's Roll Film Production & Services Inc. and a certified business owner is one of the ten finalists for Project Enterprise 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  Project Enterprise Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 will be held at the Alhambra Ballroom, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, New York, New York 10027 on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. 

Project Enterprise (PE) was started in 1996 by Nick Schatzki and Debra Franklin as the only Grameen-style provider of micro-business loans in New York City. It does not require prior business experience, credit history or collateral to provide market-rate financing for small businesses. Inspired by the success of Grameen Bank, PE's mission is to support and develop entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities around New York City by providing access to business loans, business development services and networking opportunities. Since disbursing its first loan in 1997, PE has made more than 400 loans totaling more than $800,000 and provided more than 1,400 low-income and minority entrepreneurs with business training.

Entrepreneurs at PE participate in business training activities such as basic bookkeeping, tax issues and marketing strategies at biweekly member meetings, quarterly networking events and workshops. Entrepreneurs are provided unique opportunities to develop important business networks at regular borrower meetings, networking events and workshops. Group discount opportunities and internships at retail locations are other benefits provided to members. Participation in these activities helps develop leadership skills among its entrepreneurs.

Project Enterprise, a Community Development Financial Institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Treasury, has steadily grown since 1997 when it loaned just $3,090; in 2005, PE loaned $177,520. Today, PE operates across four boroughs of New York City in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan (Harlem) and Queens. It provides services in both English and Spanish. Moreover, under the strong leadership of its executive director Arva Rice, PE's breadth of services has expanded greatly over the past three years, offering more in-depth workshops, access to new marketplaces and networking opportunities.

Derrick M. Guest has extensive experience in production, post-production and multi-media services.  Affordable Media with a Global Appeal from People like You is Griot's Roll Film Production & Services Inc. tag line.  Mr. Guest has experience as a playwright having written the Off-Broadway Play "Choices" for the Negro Ensemble Company.  He has extensive experience in writing and directing short films such as "30 Minutes of Pleasure", "The Grade", and "Loneliness".  Mr. Guest has been a panelist speaking on marketing and advertising for the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Miller Business Plan contest and most recently a guest speaker for the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce topic "Advertising, Marketing and Positioning your business".

Derrick M. Guest, CEO is available for advice via articles, panel discussions, speaking engagements, networking events, business conferences, seminars and lectures.  For booking and interviews, contact Eula M. Young, COO at (212) 281-2286 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Griot's Roll Film Production & Services is certified with:

New York City Department of Small Business Services Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity M/WBE Certified Business Enterprise

New York State Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women's Business Development MBE Certified Business

New York State Dormitory Authority (DASNY) Office of Opportunity Program M/WBE Certified Business