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Towson Global Helps Entrepreneurs Bring Dreams To Reality

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Right now it's harder than ever to start up a business, but Towson University aims to make it easier.

Andrea Fujii reports there's a way for entrepreneurs to gain all the access they need for their start-up -- for free.

Samuel Demisse's palate is one of only 300 in the world that can legally grade coffee.

"I love everything about coffee," said Demisse, Keffa Coffee.

With that love Demisse started Keffa Coffee, an Ethiopian coffee importer, but not without the help of Towson Global.

"To get working capitals, referring me to private lenders, funding and strategy partners," said Demisse.

Towson Global is a division of Towson University's Economic and Community Outreach, helping hundreds of local businesses get off the ground.

"We also provide a lot of support to any entrepreneur who may walk in," said Clay Hickson, Towson Global.

Now with its first business plan competition, Towson Global will assist the winner and provide him or her office space for free.

The best plan will be rewarded with three months of business help, which is valued at $5,000.

"Banks are not lending nearly as much as they were a few years ago, so that is challenging, but there are still opportunities out there," said Hickson.

Opportunities helped bring Demisse's vision to life.

"After I came to the United States that was my dream to start importing Ethiopian coffees," said Demisse.

Demisse sells his coffee to hundreds of roasters around the world.

Entries for the business plan competition are due Feb. 7.

For more information on starting up your own business, click here.

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