12 New Grads For Worcester InnerCity Entrepreneurs

A dozen Central Massachusetts entrepreneurs were recognized at a commencement ceremony for InnerCity Entreprenuers' Worcester class of 2008 this morning.

This was the second year for the Cambridge-based nonprofit's Worcester program. ICE is designed to help small business owners develop business plans, connect with funding sources and support services and learn from each other's experience.

Participants in the Worcester program came from as far away as Natick, Lunenburg and Southbridge and from companies as diverse as an auto body shop, alternative energy companies and a physical therapy clinic.

Entrepreneur and sometime political candidate Chris Gabrieli, who helps support the program, spoke about the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in his efforts to improve education through his group Massachusetts 2020. He encouraged the program graduates to work on community issues beyond their own businesses.

ICE CEO J. Jean Horstman said the nonprofit has plans for radical expansion in the near future. It will launch a third site in the Merrimack Valley next year and plans to set up shop in cities across the country by 2010.

The 2008 ICE graduates are:

Susan Ahern, Rebound Physical Therapy, Natick

John Carroll, Moss Hollow LLC, Lunenburg

Charles Cary and Russ Samara, Biomass Combustion Systems, Worcester

Dave Comeau, Albright Technologies Inc., Leominster

Paul Fisk, NDT Corp., Worcester

Josh Fuller, Fuller Auto Body & 24 Hr. Towing, Auburn

Chris Kandel, SLC Nationwide, Spencer

Kevin Keith, Fall Prevention Alarms Inc., Southbridge

Kathy McDonough, Community Health Network. Inc., Holliston

Patrick O'Toole, Ecology Recovery Systems Inc, Worcester

Cathy Phillips, Phillips Precision Inc., Boylston