What is the Entrepreneurial Center?
The Entrepreneurial Center at SMCC demonstrates the College's
commitment to business in Maine. Approximately 90% of the Maine economy
consists of small, locally owned businesses and over half of the
student population of SMCC cites interest in business ownership as a
future goal. Countless alumni have started businesses in
restaurant/hospitality, computer, construction, automotive, and machine
tool industries as well as other fields. At a key turning point in its
history, the College seeks alternative ways to meet the needs of its
students and contribute to the social and economic fiber of the region.
SMCC is well positioned to help the local economy by increasing the
success of emerging businesses.
Key Bank's Partnership with SMCC
As part of its continuing commitment to education, to small business
and to Maine, KeyBank N.A. partnered with SMCC, supporting the
Entrepreneurial Center through a substantial financial gift as well as
providing the expertise of local Key bankers who have worked with and
provided financial services to thousands of small businesses across
Maine over the past 100 years, from Kittery to Presque Isle.
SMCC Entrepreneurial Center Accomplishments: 2007-2008
- 110 students took an entrepreneurship course at SMCC
- Entrepreneurship II: Starting a Business course was offered both fall and spring semesters
- Our first student completed the Business Start-Up Certificate program
- Our first two students completed the Entrepreneurship & Business Ownership program
- 284 high school students explored entrepreneurship as a career opportunity at two major events:
- Careers of the 21st Century held March 10-13 and May 12-18 at SMCC where participants chose from 25 career areas with 144 students attending an entrepreneurship career exploration workshop.
- Youth Entrepreneurship Conference held February 29, 2008 where 140 students heard an inspiring keynote address by Michelle Neujahr and attended 3 workshops: Entrepreneurs' Stories, Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?, and Marketing.
- The following high schools were represented at these events:
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Windham High School, Bonny Eagle High School, York High School, Bath Regional Vocational Center, Maine Vocational Region 10, Deering High School, Gray-New Gloucester High School, Mt. Ararat High School, Freeport High School, Casco Bay High School, Gardiner Area High School, Morse High School, Sanford High School, Lake Regional High School, Deering JMG, South Portland High School, Kennebunk High School, Massabesic High School, Brunswick High School, Sacopee Valley High School, Scarborough High School, Fryeburg Academy, Portland High School, Thornton Academy, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center.
- Entrepreneurship II: Starting a Business
Students in Fred Rice's Entrepreneurship II class participated in a Business Plan Competition. Students developed a comprehensive business plan and were rated on their final product by a panel of judges. The 2008 winners are:
- 1st Place: Hannah Schulz, Southern Maine Aquatics Center
- 2nd Place: Ana Hentz, Home Design
- 3rd Place: Heidi Tranchemontagne, Presumpscot Grocery
- 4th Place: Nyla Howell-Martin, Nyla's Room
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