5000 Philadelphia Way, Suite G-28, Lanham, Maryland 20706
301-276-4420 | info@alstntec-smallbusiness.com
OUR GRADUATES
Celebrating Our Graduates
Completing the ALSTNTEC Small Business Strategy Course represents more than finishing a program. It reflects the time, commitment, and courage each entrepreneur invested in taking a closer look at their business and its future.
Throughout the course, participants worked through important questions about their strategy, finances, marketing, operations, and goals. They made space to think beyond the day-to-day demands of business ownership and develop a clearer understanding of what their businesses need to move forward. We are proud of every graduate who showed up, participated, completed the work, and made the decision to invest in themselves and their business. Their journey does not end at graduation—it continues as they apply what they learned and take meaningful next steps toward the businesses they are building.
Congratulations to our 2026 Fall Graduates!
In Their Own Words
Every graduate’s journey is different, but their experiences reflect the value of having dedicated time, structured guidance, and a community of entrepreneurs working toward stronger businesses. Below are a few written and video testimonies of their experience.
Graduates and Award Winners
Special Thanks to Stephanie Sawyer, and Natali Fani-Gonzalez, and key members of the Montgomery County Procurement and Small Business Center for sponsoring this program by partnering with ALSTNTEC. Together we made this opportunity possible for local entrepreneurs.
Thank you to our guest speakers: Darlene Brown, owner of Divine Empowerment and Janelle Harris of She Exist Magazine for their inspirational words. We also thank our Experts: Eli Natoli, Dr. Leroy McKenzie, Jr., Sharon Lewis, Ken Alozie, Iris Carter-Collins, Sarah Cofflin, Monica Turner Lee, Lawanda Toney, and Toya Lamb for their expert presentations. Finally, we thank our 2025-2026 SBSC Alumni students, Cesar Cucufate of PGCEDC, family members, and friends who came out to support our graduates and shared words of congrats.
SBSC GRADUATES
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Antoinette Lucas, Lucas Pro Notary Services
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Arleen Anderson, Divine Order Counseling & Wellness
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Courtney George, Tax & Seal Notary and Admin Svcs.
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Erica Jones, Erica Design Room
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Janet Hammond, Freelance Tax and Consultants
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Kyra Warren, S & PB Warren
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Leondra Long, VANTA, LLC
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Lisa Rodney, Lisa Nichole's Designs and Handcrafts
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Naetria Nolan, Shenese Designs
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Raven Woodard, The Wedding Plan
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Roxanne Little, Beacon and Bridge Holdings
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Rhonzelle Williams, Leeha's Little Stars & Nanny Childcare
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Rukiya Rice, Rue Academy
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Dr. Shakeemah White, Heritage House Consulting Grp.
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Shannel McBride, CJSMOM Creates
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Stefanie Flood, FloodLife Insurance
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Susan Ottley, Dowers Global Consulting
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Tangela Rich, Dreamscape Youth Center
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Tapiwa Lewis, Takara Collective
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Tracy Craig, Mosaic Education Services
SBSC AWARD WINNERS
Most Hard-Working Entrepreneur Awards:
Raven Woodard, Roxanne Little, Stefanie Flood, Tapiwa Lewis, Rhonzelle Williams, Arleen Anderson, and Leondra Long
Outstanding Achievement Award:
Susan Ottley
Business Strategy Achievement Awards:
Rukiya Rice and Janet Hammond
Entrepreneur Excellence Award:
Naetria Nolan
STUDENT TESTIMONALS
Check out our Student Video Testimonials!
ORGANIZATIONAL TESTIMONIALS
Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County - "We are writing to recommend ALSTNTEC, LLC for their exceptional business services, particularly for the invaluable contribution made to aspiring business owners participating in ALSTNTEC’s 10-week Small Business Strategies Course (SBSC). Over the past five years, the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County has had the pleasure of working closely with Founder and CEO A. Anne Alston to deliver direct business services and mentorship to approximately 60 students participating in the SBSC and hundreds more new and aspiring business owners participating in HOC’s monthly business webinars hosted by ALSTNTEC. The commitment to delivering high quality comprehensive educational programs has been truly impressive."
Prince George's County Economic Development - "Through her facilitation and instruction, the Start Up Business Series has successfully supported and strengthened more than 40 businesses. Anne brings a rare combination of strategic insight, practical execution, and genuine care for entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of business development. She does not simply teach theory; she ensures participants walk away with tangible deliverables, clarity in their business models, and a stronger sense of confidence in their path forward."
City of Seat Pleasant - "We had the opportunity to bring her program to our residents through Seat Pleasant's ARPA Funding. A resident from each of the 5 city wards participated in our first pilot cohort of the ALSTNTEC 10-Week Small Business Development Program. During the course, Ms. Alston demonstrated a professional, knowledgeable, and energetic approach to training first-time business owners on how to start and sustain a business. After reading her detailed final report, there was no doubt that we chose the right organization for the workforce development component for our ARPA budget. Our residents not only learned how to start a business, but were able to concisely articulate the full, scope and breath of how to maintain the operation of their business including financial obligations and responsibilities. Our graduate was quoted as saying "There is no monetary value that can be placed on this program. I have learned more in 10 weeks than I learned in 4 years of college" We look forward to working with ALSTNTEC again to provide additional business training services to Sea Pleasant residents."