Get ready to meet the driving force behind our Entrepreneurship Center – our exceptional team of dedicated professionals. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, passion and commitment to our mission of fostering entrepreneurial success. From seasoned business coaches to financial experts and community engagement champions, our team is here to guide, support, and empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Allow us to introduce you to the heart and soul of our Entrepreneurship Center – the people who make dreams come to life.
Charles Smith, Director
Charles Smith joined Community Teamwork with over 14 years of SBA experience and 20 years of government lending experience. Charles has been involved in lending for his entire career.
Charles is excited to be working with the entrepreneurs in the Merrimack Valley and looks forward to the challenge of providing access to capital in these communities. He believes in giving entrepreneurs from all walks-of-life, no matter their stage of business, a chance to grow their business using all of the programs available to entrepreneurs, including conventional and SBA lending.
Charles is an Adjunct Professor and PH.D candidate in 2026 at UMass Lowell, a graduate of Texas Tech School of Law, Rawls College of Business and Texas and Prairie View A&M University. When not working or in school, Charles enjoys downtime with his family, including a young son and daughter.
Ani Vong, SBA Prime Coordinator & Business Coach
Ani is a proud Lowellian who at 2 months old came to The United States as a refugee of the Cambodian Genocide. Her love for fashion and styling at a young age sparked a dream to open her own boutique one day. Little did she know that dream would come true in 2014, when she officially became the owner of a clothing boutique in Downtown Lowell. As a Small Business owner herself, she has a deeper understanding of a Small Business owner’s struggles, challenges and opportunities. Having grown up in Lowell and witnessing its changes and progress, Ani has a well-rooted connection and outlook of what it takes to build a hyper-local community-based business.
During the start of her Entrepreneurial journey, Ani went through the Entrepreneurship Center’s SBA Microloan Program and now she supports Entrepreneurs going through the Microloan Program as well as other resources offered though the E-Center. Ani’s professional goals are to support entrepreneurs as well as to educate the public about what it really means to be a small business owner, including understanding all the beauty and ugliness that comes with it. Her personal goals are to make a difference in her community, by amplifying unheard voices using her platform. She is also committed to never stop learning and listening.
Emily Magovern, Farmers Market Coordinator & Program Admin
Emily has been working at the Entrepreneurship Center for almost 2 years. Her work mainly consists of client engagement, reporting and basic administrative duties. Not only does she support entrepreneurs, she is also an aspiring entrepreneur working toward opening her own business in the future.
Amanda Camerano, Microloan Program Coordinator & Business Coach
Amanda spent over 10 years in the banking industry, starting as a teller and working her way through the ranks to earn the title of AVP of Sales and Service. Amanda’s primary focus in banking was business development and management where she excelled and helped businesses in the communities that she served achieve their goals. Amanda left the banking industry to pursue a degree in Psychology while successfully managing and helping to grow a family-owned restaurant. When not working to help others, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to her community. Amanda’s extensive knowledge of what it takes to successfully own and operate a business, plus her knowledge of resources available, make her an asset to the Entrepreneurship Center.
Melissa Rost, Outreach Coordinator
Melissa brings a unique blend of experience, passion and, having been born and raised in Downtown Lowell, a deep-rooted love for the city and a profound understanding of its unique character.
She is passionate about making a positive impact in the community after working as an Assistant Manager, Shift Lead, and Associate at several local small businesses in both the Lowell and Dracut area. Working behind the scenes at each small business, Melissa has witnessed first hand the challenges and opportunities businesses face.
With a degree in Media Communications, Melissa will be able to use her strong foundation in Communication, Marketing, and Audience engagement to provide compelling content through various channels to boost the visibility of our local community, open up the doors to new conversations, and showcase the opportunities of the Entrepreneurship Center.
Her personal mantra is to communicate with compassion and embrace the perspectives of others. Beyond work, you can find Melissa exploring local art markets, experimenting in the kitchen, and delving into fashion alternatives and most importantly, cherishing moments with loved ones.
