The mission of the Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Service Center is to discover and develop the talents of individuals in order to enhance business and community through the creation and development of academic, research, outreach and support initiatives that encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and support entrepreneurs of all ages.
Since the Center’s inception in 2006, resources offered at the Center have helped to create over 55 jobs and launch 41 successful new ventures. Center employees have met with and coached over 500 businesses. Over 900 students have enrolled in the credit Entrepreneurship classes. By serving as a gateway to resources and information, our business coaches have provided our clients a place to turn to that did not previously exist.
The Business Incubator opened in 2007 and provides a place for a business to grow and adapt before moving out into the community. Six businesses have “graduated” from the Incubator process and six more will graduate over the next six months. The Incubator has helped 27 businesses start down the path to success creating over 35 jobs.
Academic Component
Post-secondary students interested in entrepreneurship have the opportunity to earn an Associates of Applied Science Degree with an Entrepreneurship Focus through the Business Administration Program. Students in other vocational programs are able to earn a certificate in entrepreneurship through the Business Administration Program in order to gain the necessary information needed for running a business without having to complete an additional degree. If desired, they are able to articulate their degree to a 4-year program in the state or use the information gained to operate their own business.
The Non-credit options feature both single as well as a series of courses and seminars offered in conjunction with SCC Continuing Education division. These courses are offered to all members of the community who desire to update their skills or learn something new that will enhance their business or career.
Secondary and Middle School education programs have been established to provide entrepreneurship education to all levels of K – 12 students in the service area. These programs introduce business and entrepreneurship to younger students and allow them the opportunity to develop a goal for the future. The educational opportunities are designed to immerse students in a business atmosphere and give them the tools to succeed in life whether they start a business or continue their education. This entrepreneurial-minded foundation also helps prepare students to apply for the post secondary education program at the community college and 4-year level.
Community Outreach & Support Component
Through positive community outreach, the Center has made a name for itself. They provide research tools to community members in our service area. These tools consist of a continuously expanding library, computer equipment, a network of contacts, and business coaches.
Incubator space for students, alumni and community members is available to allow potential business owners to start their venture. Incubator businesses develop into successful businesses by using the office facilities, equipment, and human resources located in the Center.
Mentoring and coaching is available for those who desire assistance or are already engaged in entrepreneurial ventures. Financial, governmental, educational, and business advisor resource connections are available to the incubator tenants or those who simply need questions answered.
Involvement:
Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Center serves as a resource center for anyone interested in Entrepreneurship. Assistance is offered at the center to anyone interested in starting a business or looking for direction on their path to business independence. The Center houses a Business Incubator, hosts credit and non-credit classes on Entrepreneurship, and is home to Lincoln Public School’s Entrepreneurship Focus Program and the Information Technology Focus Program. Their Mission is to discover and develop the talents of individuals in order to enhance business and community through the creation and development of academic, research, outreach and support initiatives that encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and support entrepreneurs of all ages.
The Center enjoys involvement in groups such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Enhance Develop and Grow Entrepreneurs program (EDGE), National Association of Business Incubators (NBIA), and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). This involvement includes but is not limited to sharing materials, conducting seminars, promoting contests, and hosting and attending conferences.
They have also been successful in helping to create and maintain a statewide task force, NET Force (Nebraska Entrepreneurship Task Force), dedicated to entrepreneurship including the following education and outreach organizations:
Center for Rural Affairs
Central Community College – Columbus
Central Community College – Grand Island
Central Community College – Hastings
Central Community College – Holdrege
Creighton University – Omaha
EntrepreneurShip Investigation – ESI Education Committee
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Omaha Branch
Future Force Nebraska
Hometown Competitiveness
McCook Economic Development Corporation
Metro Community College
Mid-Plains Community College
Nebraska Department of Education
Nebraska Distance Education Council
Nebraska Council on Economic Education
Nebraska Enterprise Fund
Northeast Community College
Southeast Community College
University of Nebraska – Extension
University of Nebraska – Kearney
University of Nebraska – Center for Entrepreneurship
Western Community College
SCC Business Incubator Graduates
Peigi Mitzner, Serenity Health Massage
Entered the Incubator May 15, 2007 and graduated August 15, 2010
David Hefley, Meridian Consulting
Entered the Incubator August 15, 2007 and graduated September 15, 2010
Ellen Rainbolt, Family Solutions
Entered the Incubator February 15, 2008 and graduated January 31, 2011
Kris Thaller, Coaching Dimensions
http://www.mycoachingdimensions.com/
Enter the Incubator March 1, 2007 and graduated December 2009
Deb Savage, KNECNET
Enter the Incubator March 1, 2007 and graduated December 2009
John Thomazin – REDI Group, Inc.
Entered the Incubator April 1, 2008 and will graduate May 1, 2011
Russell Cowan – Money Smarts, Inc.
http://moneysmartsinc.com
Entered the Incubator April 1, 2008 and will graduate May 1, 2011
Russell’s services will now be a part of the Center’s resources offered to clients
Dirk Wingrove – Blue Monarch
Entered the Incubator April 15, 2008 and will graduate May 14, 2011
Tony Brown – Insured Image
Entered the Incubator April 15, 2008 and will graduate June 14, 2011
New Business Owners
Denise Scholl-Serrett – The HR Lady Consulting, Inc., April 2011, http://www.thehrladyconsulting.com/
Andy Jablonski – Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation, Inc., February 2011
Rachel Raisch – Complete Insurance, LLC, February 2011
Hillary Rasmussen – Crystal Clear Photo & Design, November 2010
Mary SimBarcelos -One World Healing, November 2010
Lannelle Eastburn – Advantage Training Plus, September 2010
To Schedule a Tour at the Southeast Community College Entrepreneurship Service Center
Contact Brooke at 402-323-3383 or email brobbins@southeast.edu. See the center online at http://www.southeast.edu/discover/locations/ENT