Arkansas Two-year Colleges Offering Entrepreneurship Degrees

Developed by the NWACC Division of Business and Computer Information, the entrepreneurship curriculum is based on input from 20 institutions providing a national perspective. Courses include opportunity and feasibility analysis, funding acquisition for entrepreneurs, and business organization and management. The curriculum also prepares students for entrepreneurial thinking within a corporate setting, according to a NWACC press release.
 
The entrepreneurship track is in line with Gov. Mike Beebe’s economic development agenda for the state, addressing key components of entrepreneurship and small business development, Wood said. In 2007, the General Assembly enacted a $140 million TBED package based on initiatives outlined by Accelerate Arkansas, which include investments in entrepreneurship and workforce development (see the April 9, 2007 issue of the Digest).
 
Additional efforts to promote business ownership are also underway in the state through a partnership between Arkansas State University and the Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium. Students can begin earning college credits while in high school through a new career pathway in entrepreneurship to be delivered in 12 counties across eastern Arkansas. The pathway also will include multiple entry and exit points at the high school, community college and university levels, and the program can be replicated in all secondary technical centers across the state.
 
More information is outlined in a press release issued by NWACC, which is available at: http://www.nwacc.edu/presidentsoffice/072408-NWACCoffersEntrepreneurshipDegree.php
 
More on Creating a Culture of Entrepreneurship…
Not all entrepreneurship is created equal – as many Digest readers are aware – since science and tech-related firms typically pay above average salaries and, as they grow, tend to attract and spin off more entrepreneurial companies. Rates of high-quality entrepreneurship vary dramatically across the country and even within states. So how can tech-based economic development organizations help create a climate conducive to and supportive of tech entrepreneurs? The issue is so important to encouraging regional innovation that SSTI's 12th annual conference includes an entire afternoon in a pre-conference workshop and a breakout session during the main conference dedicated to entrepreneurship issues.
 
Effective Entrepreneurship Assistance: Advice from the Experts
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 • 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Although entrepreneurship is recognized as a necessary ingredient in building a sustainable innovation economy, there is no single "right" way to provide entrepreneurship assistance. But those initiatives that have demonstrated a history of success are beginning to attract global attention for their achievements. Now, rather than traveling the country to learn firsthand about the programs, we've gathered some of the nation's most respected leaders to share their experience and lessons learned.
 
This half-day pre-conference session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at some of the country's most effective entrepreneurship programs and the strategies that have helped them succeed. Presenters from internationally recognized regional and state initiatives will provide insight into building an entrepreneurial culture, identifying potential entrepreneurs, connecting new business owners to the resources they need and helping to build high-growth firms. The session will include examples from both metropolitan and rural regions.
 
Richard Bendis of Bendis Investment Group LLC will lead the discussion, which will feature an in-depth exploration of successful programs and give you the opportunity to ask the experts about shaping and executing an effective entrepreneurship strategy that's best suited for your region.
 
Presenters include:
• Ray Leach, CEO, JumpStart Inc.
• Tom Walker, President & CEO, i2E
 
Registration for "Effective Entrepreneurship Assistance: Advice from the Experts" is separate from the main conference registration. Attendance in the full conference is not required to participate in the pre-conference workshop. More information is available at http://www.ssticonference.org.
 
Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 • 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
TBED initiatives provide valuable support to the innovation community, but without a culture that motivates people to start new businesses, no high-tech economy can sustain itself. This discussion will explore the motivations behind entrepreneurship and how TBED organizations can contribute to an environment that encourages and rewards new venture creation. Panelists also will discuss how organizations can catalyze new business starts through networking, matchmaking and creative use of innovative spaces.
 
Panelists:
• Ernie Dianastasis, Managing Director, CAI and Chairman, First State Innovation
• Tony Redpath, Vice President, Partner Programs, MaRS Discovery District