ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Local restaurant workers are invited to submit their applications for the fourth rendition of a program intended to help service professionals develop their finance skills.
The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is accepting applications now for the new session of their Financial Empowerment Pilot Program, an initiative designed to help service industry professionals build confidence in their financial skills.
According to an AIR press release, the association launched the program to give local restaurant workers the tools they need to succeed in the restaurant industry.
The five-month program starts with personal financial plan building and builds to one-on-one coaching. Topics include budgeting, managing credit, saving for retirement, homeownership resources and starting a small business.
“The AIR Financial Empowerment Program has been an immense help in my journey to find financial freedom. The knowledge and resources I’ve been given have helped me better understand my finances and feel confident making decisions that work for me,” said Lauren Burrows, a past program participant, in the release.
FEPP is led by Annice Brown, a longtime entrepreneurial and small business coach, and Jane Hatley, a veteran of the Self-Help Credit Union. They have led 45 food service employees through the program, with 27 local restaurant employees currently participating in session three.
Some highlights of the FEPP program include:
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Improved credit scores
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Opened IRAs or investment accounts
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Consolidated debt into more manageable payments
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Savings for emergency funds, down payments, and more
“Financial education is often overlooked across many industries, but especially in hospitality,” said AIR Executive Director Meghan Rogers in the press release. “We developed this program to help fill that gap and give restaurant workers the knowledge and support they need to build a healthy relationship with their finances.”
Learn more and apply at airasheville.org/financialempowerment.