Marlon Kerner Named Community Director at Entrepreneurs Forever
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BUFFALO, N.Y. – August 23, 2021 – Entrepreneurs Forever (eforever), the flagship program of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Mansmann Foundation, announced that long-time Western New York resident Marlon Kerner has stepped into the new position of Community Director. In this role, Kerner is responsible for developing community relationships, recruiting members, supporting programs, and assisting in fundraising efforts in the Buffalo and Western New York Region.
Entrepreneurs Forever provides support to existing businesses through professionally moderated monthly peer-to-peer group meetings. Peer group members share their entrepreneurial journey with others on a similar path and work through a progressive three-year competency program, ensuring that they build necessary skills for long-term success.
“Being a small business owner is hard, and the past year has been particularly challenging. The power of a peer group, knowing others have your back when times are tough and are there to celebrate when times are good, is invaluable. I’m excited to be part of Entrepreneurs Forever and support our region’s small business owners and the communities they serve,” says Kerner.
As a former NFL player, Kerner successfully transitioned from playing in the league to accumulating more than 20 years of managerial and leadership experience in both the business sector and the NFL Player Engagement space. Since 2015, Kerner has worked with the Buffalo Bills, building relationships with both current players and alumni. Working with players at all stages of their careers, he has served as an advisor to help them navigate their roles both on and off the field.
Prior to joining the Buffalo Bills, Kerner was part of the executive leadership team at Target for seven years. With a keen understanding of both the customer and staff experiences, he held leadership roles in guest experience and human resources.
“Since 2014, Entrepreneurs Forever has grown to serve small business owners in 27 communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, connecting our members with the people and skills they need to succeed,” said A.J. Drexler, CEO of Entrepreneurs Forever. “We’re excited to extend the same support toWestern New York and with Marlon at the helm, we anticipate a meaningful and measurable impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Entrepreneurs Forever is partnering with Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship, and the nonprofit Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) to launch free programs in Buffalo this fall. Together, these organizations will work to provide under-represented individuals with the training and support needed to start, grow, and sustain their businesses. To help launch these initiatives, BNMC connected with financial partners, including lead sponsor KeyBank.
“EforAll is excited to partner with Marlon and Eforever to amplify small business support in Western New York by offering a continuum of services that help entrepreneurs at every step of their business development. Together, we will build a more inclusive and entrepreneurial Buffalo region,” said Juweria Dahir, EforAll BuffaloExecutive Director.
Marlon Kerner will join Dahir at EforAll’s free “Simple Steps to Turn Your Ideas Into A Business!” event on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4:30 to 7:00pm at the Innovation Center located at 640 Ellicott Street in Buffalo. Those interested in learning more about small business support and available resources are invited to attend.
About Entrepreneurs Forever
Entrepreneurs Forever (eforever), a program of the Mansmann Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, supports small business owners and entrepreneurs who live or operate in evolving communities.Entrepreneurs Forever gives entrepreneurs the power to persist by providing know-how, skills, training, and support in the form of professionally facilitated small peer groups that meet monthly. Entrepreneurs Forever welcomes partnerships with referral agencies and underwriting sponsors. To learn more or become a member, visit entrepreneursforever.org or email Marlon Kerner at mkerner@e4ever.org.
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Contact: Roya Kousari, Director of Marketing and Communications
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