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Verizon Incubator New Home for Entrepreneur

A 35-year-old Addye Joy Durant, graphic artist and designer, will begin taking Verizon`s challenge to live 21-days in a storefront known as Dream254: The Verizon Incubator. As passers-by watch her, and a public Web cam films her, Durant must rely on Verizon services and computer technology alone to meet her basic needs and obtain the necessary tools to make her entrepreneurial dream come true and take off successfully. Should she complete the challenge, her prize is $10,000 and public attention for the launch of her new home-based business.

Dream254: The Verizon Incubator, which is part of the Verizon `Realize` multicultural marketing campaign, began in August in Philadelphia and Washington, which showcases Verizon broadband customers who tell stories of how the technology helps them pursue their hope and spirit of launching home-based businesses or strengthening their communities.

Jerri DeVard, Verizon`s senior vice president, brand management and marketing communications says, `This grassroots effort is the result of marketing insights that reveal large percentages of working African-Americans and other minorities in the country are investing - often as a `side business` - in their entrepreneurial dreams.` Verizon selected Durant as the incubator `Realizer`, after a rigorous casting and screening process. Applicants had to demonstrate a range of pursuits, such as fashion design, art, music, production, food service, and other diverse interests.