Occupational Education = EntrepreneurshipWCC Entrepreneurship CenterOctober 15, 2015

Kimberly HurnsDean – Business & Computer Technologies

http://ec.wccnet.edu/

WHAT’S A BUSINESS THAT WAS NOT STARTED BY AN ENTREPRENEUR?

WHAT PROGRAMS AT YOUR COLLEGE WOULD BENEFIT BY ADDING

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A CAREER PATH?

Fruitful Opportunities…Our AgendaOccupational Education is filled with entrepreneurial opportunities

Internal strategies that produce results

Best practices to engage faculty, students and the community to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem

Define the EcosystemWhat is the climate in your community?

What is your niche?

How will you work with other players?

How will you introduce your brand?

We started with community outreach/branding. We learned

about the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

It’s a Startup!We started very lean, no endowment

Positioned as a student service

Co-working instead of incubation

Switzerland (the library) facilitated the staff/faculty steering committee

Started in Workforce Development, ended up in the Business Division

Part-time staff (hire collaborators)

It’s the retail front for SBDC and the brand for entrepreneurship across campus

Programming is Key!

Partner with faculty

Partner with organizations

Partner with professionals

Partner with offices across campus

Patronize small businesses and students

Targeting specific

programs has been a key success

factor.

Programming Requires MarketingMeetings with faculty

Classroom visits

Host classrooms in the center

Monthly meeting with marketing

Community/organization calendars

Weekly newsletter

Selective public relations

Traditional campus communication, including flyers

Community Outreach

Campus Open House hosted 120 people

Public Open House hosted 65 people

Manages approximately 100 clients

Served 175 students, staff, and community

Have added interns, work study and volunteers to manage center and demand

Entrepreneurial Classroom Series

It’s Working!

Planning for the Future (start with why)

Targeting specific programs like automotive and IT

Pitch competition in Spring 2016 to expand community reach and financial support

Grant Funding

Expand Staff

QUESTIONS & IDEAS