We are proud to celebrate senior Van Topjian, who recently reached a major professional milestone outside the classroom. On March 24, Van graduated as part of the fourth cohort of the Talbot Works Business Academy, a prestigious program designed to help local entrepreneurs scale and succeed in today’s economy.

Van, representing his family's business, The Market at Dover Station, was one of only 12 entrepreneurs selected for the intensive eight-week program. The graduation ceremony, held before the Talbot County Council, marked a historic moment for the Academy as it reached a milestone of 50 local businesses served since its inception.

The Academy provides business owners with the “tools, confidence, and support” needed to thrive. Throughout the course, participants like Van developed comprehensive expansion plans and gained access to expert mentorship. According to Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism, the program is built on the idea that “growth doesn't happen by chance; it happens by design.”

By completing this program while still in high school, Van demonstrated incredible initiative and a commitment to his future as a business leader. He joins a community of graduates who have collectively reinvested nearly $600,000 into the local economy!

Please join us in congratulating Van on this impressive accomplishment!