Committing to Collaboration to Serve the College and Community

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Mervin Hood
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1 Committing to Collaboration to Serve the College and Community Gateway to Entrepreneurship Eridania Camacho, Program Coordinator Scorpio Rogers, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Business Central Texas Business Resource Center Marcus Carr, BRC Director & Entrepreneurship Professor Diane Drussell, BRC Programs Coordinator NACCE 2012 Chicago IL, USA

2 Identifying the Need What impact has the national economic climate had on entrepreneurship? More people turning to business ownership as an alternative to employment A call for strong and comprehensive entrepreneurship education at all levels including the President A movement for community colleges to serve as a vehicle to entrepreneurship education

3 In 2008 the Skirball Foundation awarded WCC a grant to conduct research to determine how to structure an entrepreneurship program for students and the community. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies was create 2010, and rebranded as Gateway to Entrepreneurship (G2E) in G2E Mission: Support entrepreneurship education throughout the college and our community. Through its collaborations with partners, both the public and private sectors, G2E is a resource hub for entrepreneurial development at all stages, facilitating programs that respond to entrepreneur s needs and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

4 First Steps While there is a commitment to entrepreneurship at WCC; from the college s Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship to the credit bearing Entrepreneurship programs and certificates, it was essential to: Created an internal network of staff, faculty and students from various divisions to ensure a successful initiative Created a program structure Connected with resources at a local and a national level Served as WCC s voice on a statewide SUNY Initiated multiple programs for WCC students & community

5 Rebooting IES to G 2E Based on experiences and market research, IES was rebranded to G2E with a stronger emphasis on the greater community. Established an Advisory Board comprised of internal and external members Consolidating overlapping entrepreneurship offerings Identify and create new initiatives Engage others in the community who are providing similar services

6 G 2E Strategic Initiatives A community resource hub for budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses An entrepreneurship faculty learning Community An entrepreneurship education pipeline from high school programs to study at Westchester Community College Programs for new and emerging immigrant small business owners A coaching program for aspiring entrepreneurs, tailored to need of the individual entrepreneur The Mount Vernon Entrepreneurship Summer Academy

G 2E and The Gateway Center The Gateway Center was conceived as an educational venue that would have a positive impact on Westchester County s community

7 G 2E and The Gateway Center The Gateway Center was conceived as an educational venue that would have a positive impact on Westchester County s community and businesses. The Center houses business, ESL, language, and international student programs. G2E is based in the Gateway Center which boosts the G2E brand.

8 G 2E Marketing Activity We are increasing the G2E awareness in the community by using multiple marketing media. Grassroots outreach Material distribution Internal resources Media Relations Dept. Website & social media Partnerships

9 Event Marketing Material

10 Constant Contact Newsletter

G 2E Partnerships - Commitment to the mission Internal Partners Business Department English Language Institute Culinary Arts Department Arts Department The Center for Financial & Economic Education

11 G 2E Partnerships - Commitment to the mission Internal Partners Business Department English Language Institute Culinary Arts Department Arts Department The Center for Financial & Economic Education Professional Development Center Mainstream (serving 50+) External Westchester Office of Economic Development Community Capital of New York Women s Enterprise Development center The Business Council of Westchester Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Small Business Administration (SBA)

Funding Beyond Initial Seed Money Leveraging existing resources as a cost-savings strategy Establishing fee-for-service programs Coaching program

12 Funding Beyond Initial Seed Money Leveraging existing resources as a cost-savings strategy Establishing fee-for-service programs Coaching program Workshops Hosting conference and events to connect with funders and to serve as a marketing tool Grow Conference First of it s kind in Westchester County

13 What Will G 2E Look Like 10 Years From Now? The Central Texas Resources Center!

14 Central Texas Business Resource Center Marcus Carr, BRC Director & Entrepreneurship Professor Diane Drussell, BRC Programs Coordinator

15 Welcome BRC business plan A brief history of the Central Texas Business Resource Center (the BRC) Implementing successful funding and resources A successful collaboration of: Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Central Texas College Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Your business/organization here!

16 In the beginning In year 2000 Texas Center for Women s Business Enterprise (TxCWBE) entered agreement with: Killeen Workforce Center Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Central Texas College To provide staffing, program development, delivery of small business services for the the Bell County Texas area.

17 The need identified The BRC identified small business growth and economic stability when 1. The business grows enough to hire employees 2.The proprietor can clear more than $50k/year. Services became integral for the process to expand businesses help overall economic stability in the community

18 Meeting the need BRC outreach resulted in over 1,600 individuals counseled/trained in year one Partnerships with area organizations supporting economic development and small business issues Program development government contracting small business funding hiring & firing issues

19 Why continue? Positive economic impact: Vital information about self-employment allows individuals to make an objective evaluation Deciding not to open before properly prepared reallocates economic and human resources Retention and expansion of existing business 50 local businesses that grow to hire two employees each is just as great as recruiting a business to relocate that will hire 100 employees

20 Funding Proposed budget requested cash contributions totaling $67,000 $25k from CTC $25k from KWC $17k from GKCC This budget provided two staff members working 30 hours/week using existing community resources. (PD-$35k, BC-$22k, PR-$6k, Misc$4k)

21 Why it works Starting with smaller projects Minimal funding allows kudos for a small investment. Quality experienced staff Marcus 4 businesses, 25 yrs exp. Diane 2 businesses, 15 yrs exp.

22 The details Regular meetings are conducted with: City Hall and County licenses and permits offices Texas State Comptroller office Accountants, Attorneys, Bankers, Insurance agents Texas Workforce Commission services Economic Development Agencies Community Colleges & Universities Small Business Administration regional office

23 Collaboration BRC projects fall within the agendas of the partner members Workforce System increase job creation among small companies Community College new employees and business owners need additional training and education and these businesses certainly serve as a source for instructors

24 Collaboration BRC projects fall within the agendas of the partner members Chamber of Commerce potential growth in its membership Economic Development Corporations build businesses in the area that will serve as suppliers and/or support businesses to larger businesses that are being recruited for relocation.

25 Collaboration The BRC conducts business programs to meet each specific need (NEVER SAY NO) Central Texas College Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) SIFE's mission is to foster free-market economic education through programs in schools, on college campuses and in communities. Fort Hood Army Community Alumni Program A program assisting soldiers transitioning from the Army to civilian to find new jobs and careers.

26 Collaboration Procurement Technical Assistance Center (DoD PTAC of Arlington) Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce Temple College Continuing Education Belton Economic Development Corporation

27 Today The BRC began as a concept Started as a service offered part-time Now a program that has profound impact and presence in the area The current structure is simple MOU Supported by the contributors Allows for future expansion Always seeking other communities close by interested in economic development

28 Today Since its inception Small business counseling for over 4,624 individuals Training for over 2,653 with business workshops/programs Fort Hood Region Government Vendor Conference & Exposition Now in its seventh year! Provides over $20k+ to the BRC program budget

29 Award Winning Best New Chamber of Commerce Program in Texas (Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives 2006) Community Collaborator Award (Workforce Solutions of Central Texas 2008) Exceptional Quality of Life Partnerships Award (Secretary of the U.S. Army 2009)

Thank you for joining us! Marcus Carr Diane Drussell marcusc@workforcelink.com dianed@workforcelink.com (254) 200-2001 www.centexbrc.

30 Thank you for joining us! Marcus Carr Diane Drussell (254) facebook.com/centexbrc Eridania Camacho Scorpio Rogers

Strategic Plan. The Five Pillars of Success. CopCopyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerceyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Plan. The Five Pillars of Success. CopCopyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerceyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan 2014 2017 The Five Pillars of Success CopCopyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerceyright 2013 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Introduction Various stakeholder groups were interviewed to