Peggy Colas-Dixon is the passionate owner and program director of Cornerstone Medical Training Center. With an extensive background in healthcare, starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant and working her way up to becoming a Registered Nurse, Peggy has fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning a medical training center. Here’s how HEDCO has helped turn her business dreams into reality, from CNA to business owner.
The mission to empower future healthcare leaders
With a mission to empower future healthcare leaders and address the complex healthcare needs of all patients, Cornerstone Medical Training Center offers a variety of courses including CPR training, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, and more. Thanks to the support of HEDCO, Peggy was able to turn her dream into a successful business venture, providing quality training and mentorship to her students while filling the void in the healthcare industry.
Peggy’s Path to Success: CNA to Business Owner
Peggy’s journey started as a CNA, then moving up to become an LPN and ultimately, a bachelor’s-prepared Registered Nurse. She gained valuable clinical experience, and her desire to help others and fill the voids in the healthcare industry motivated her to start her own training center. With the help of HEDCO, Peggy was able to secure the start-up capital that she needed to get her business off the ground.
In the next five years, Peggy sees Cornerstone Medical Training Center expanding with multiple locations and more services. She advises other entrepreneurs to stay persistent, dream big, network, and surround themselves with people whose dreams align with theirs.
Making a Difference in the Community
Cornerstone Medical Training Center not only provides valuable services to its students but also gives back to the community. They collaborate with local organizations, churches, and schools to inform them of their services, especially the life-saving skill of CPR. They also provide job placement assistance and mentorship throughout their students’ journey into the healthcare field.
HEDCO Supports Small Business Success
The loan from HEDCO was allocated to purchase equipment, complete renovations, cover rent and utilities, and for some marketing expenses. “I learned about HEDCO through my awesome SCORE mentor, John Goldsmith. I was motivated to seek financial services through HEDCO because without it, I would not be able to start. Thank you for all that you do for businesses like Cornerstone and others. We truly appreciate it,” says Peggy.
A Testament to Passion, Persistence, and Community Support
Ultimately, Peggy’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and community support. With the help of HEDCO, Peggy has transformed her dream into a thriving business that not only delivers essential services to her students but also gives back to the community in meaningful ways. HEDCO is proud to have supported Cornerstone Medical Training Center in every way possible. A loan or grant from HEDCO can provide the capital needed to start a new business or expand an existing one. To learn more or for assistance, contact us today.
Pictured left to right: Lavinia Larsson, Peggy Colas-Dixon
