(Orlando, FL) —The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) announced today that Valley Bank has invested $30,000 toward the continued operations of the business support facility, home to 16 non-profit business organizations. The NEC is a single location solution for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing access to targeted business training, free one-on-one business coaching, and a variety of business events to accelerate business growth and development throughout Central Florida and beyond.The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) announced today that Valley Bank has invested $30,000 toward the continued operations of the business support facility, home to 16 non-profit business organizations. The NEC is a single location solution for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing access to targeted business training, free one-on-one business coaching, and a variety of business events to accelerate business growth and development throughout Central Florida and beyond.Lynetta Steed, Market President of Valley Bank said, “As a community-focused bank with deep roots in the neighborhoods we serve, we’re proud to partner with the National Entrepreneur Center and advance their mission of supporting small businesses. I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve on their Board of Directors and support many of their programs, specifically the work they do to empower women and minority-owned businesses. As an ambassador for Valley’s Women in Business Program and a close partner with our new Community Lending Team, these initiatives mean a lot to me personally and that’s why I’ve been a passionate advocate for the NEC since 2003.”The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) opened in 2003 and currently occupies approximately 20,000 sq. ft. at Orlando Fashion Square. “Our collaborative model of economic development through small business development continues to leverage the community’s resources, and the talent of our resident resource partners to assist the thousands of entrepreneurs who visit us each year. This easy access to business assistance is especially critical today as businesses deal with the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic!” said National Entrepreneur Center President, Jerry Ross.Ross continued saying, “The funding from community partners like Valley Bank is leveraged through our 16 non-profit Resource Partners to accelerate small business development throughout the region. Having committed funders like Valley Bank is essential to our mission of keeping Central Florida at the forefront of the innovation economy and a hub of entrepreneurial activity for years to come. Our collaborative model of corporate sponsors, non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs is truly unique in the nation, and our results since 2003 are unmatched anywhere.”About the National Entrepreneur CenterThe National Entrepreneur Center is a shared facility that is home to a variety of independent non-profit business support organizations, all with a single mission of accelerating the growth and development of small businesses throughout Central Florida. The Center offers access to free one-on-one business coaching, low-cost business seminars, networking events, and business building resources for any size business. For more information visit the website at www.nationalEC.org or call the center at 407-420-4848.About ValleyAs the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp, Valley National Bank (doing business as Valley Bank)is a regional bank with approximately $41 billion in assets. Valley is committed to giving people and businesses the power to succeed. Valley operates many convenient branch locations across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable team dedicated to meeting customer needs. Helping communities grow and prosper is the heart of Valley’s corporate citizenship philosophy. To learn more about Valley, go to www.valley.com or call our Customer Care Center at 800-522-4100.