2010 was such an amazing year for Rising Tide Capital (RTC) in so many ways: nearly 100 entrepreneurs successfully graduated from the Community Business Academy (CBA); we celebrated our 6^th anniversary with the milestone achievement of over 350 entrepreneurs starting or growing small companies; and hosted Global Entrepreneurship Week in Jersey City for the third consecutive year (with nearly 60 participating partners and 28 events celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship). We also just learned that 37 of our entrepreneurs have launched their businesses in 2010. And now 2011 is here and we are planning even bigger and better opportunities to advance our mission and serve more people and communities. 

At the end of 2010, a family that has been a long-time supporter of our mission pledged to donate and raise $10,000 for the organization if we could match that amount through our own fundraising. Thanks to committed individual supporters, we have met the $10,000 challenge! We are so thankful for not only this amazing family, but also for all of the people who thought of us this holiday season and made the choice to support Rising Tide Capital and its programs. With the additional $20,000 we raised during the holiday season, we can continue to expand our programs, hire new instructors, and make sure that we can still deliver low cost and free programming to the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Your support is aiding us in keeping our mission alive, and for that, I cannot fully express how grateful I am.

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and are inspired by his call to action to expand equality of economic opportunity. In this new year, we are looking forward to carrying on his mission of building a more just and peaceful world with you. Emboldening and cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit amongst all of us, especially in the households and communities where the need is greatest, is one of the most powerful ways for us to uphold his legacy. Happy New Year, and may 2011 bring you and yours much success, prosperity, good health, and happiness! 

Yours truly,

Alfa Demmellash