Christina Estes

Chocolatier Windi MacLeod shows off "Taffy Cracks", her most popular item.

Christina Estes

Windi MacLeod says Buckeye's program for entrepreneurs has helped her grow Dragonfly Designz Chocolates.

Chocolatier Windi MacLeod's specialty is Taffy Cracks.

“What it is is caramel in between two crackers dipped in chocolate so you have the sweet, salty with buttery crunch," she explained while drizzling chocolate over the treats.

At this time last year, MacLeod was trying to figure out how to take her home-based business to the next level.  She found help through Buckeye’s first expo. That’s where she registered for a nine-week program for entrepreneurs. MacLeod said it really helped her focus on what they call "income producing activities."

“It’s more 'okay, am I gonna sit on the internet looking at emails all day long trying to figure out what I’m gonna do' or am I gonna make my stuff, take it to stores and get out there working it," she said.

Thanks to a partnership with Arizona State University's Entreprenuership and Innovation Department, participants can also take free online classes. Janene Van Leeuwen coordinates the program at Buckeye’s library. 

“We realized especially following the economic decline how can we work better in our community to better help our entrepreneurs? Especially our small businesses because they’re the ones who build a foundation for a city," she said.

The Expo will be held on Saturday, June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Coyote Library Branch located in the Sundance Crossing Center, 21699 W. Yuma Rd. in Buckeye.

For more information about the Expo or other entrepreneur programs, call 623.349.6354 or email Van Leeuwen at [email protected]