Conventional wisdom and the Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that many new businesses fail. That failure, or maybe the fear of it is likely the reason why most people don’t quit their “day job” and start a business, but the members of the Urban Center Entrepreneur Certificate Program are not most people. They are entrepreneurs.
In her opening remarks, Cheryl Carter, NCSC Director of Outreach and Recruitment, was the first to highlight that entrepreneurial spirit, “It takes a special kind of courage. It takes relentless pursuit of a dream in spite of all the obstacles. It takes unending energy. It demands something of you – a price that many people aren’t willing or able to pay.”
The graduation at the Urban Center on Monday evening was an energetic celebration of not only the students current accomplishments, but anticipation of their forthcoming contribution to our community.
The program grew organically, much like the entrepreneurial endeavors it celebrates. What started out as a 10 week course, quickly gelled as a community, they became the first cohort, and they weren’t ready to stop at the end of the class. Heather Tsvaris, adjunct professor of entreprenurship and Cheryl Carter collaborated with the NCSC administration to create a fuller program. Now, the entrepreneurship program is entering its second year.
Dr. Dorey Diab was recently appointed as the new president of North Central State College, but what some may not know is that he is a community college success story himself. In his remarks to the students he explained that he first came to this country for an education, and started in a community college. He worked hard, followed his dreams, and is now living his American dream by becoming a college president. Diab didn’t end there, his candor was both refreshing and inspiring when he shared that there were many appointments and promotions that he didn’t attain. He encouraged their persistence with himself as an example of the fruits of that labor.
Students also received practical advice from the evening’s keynote speaker, Susan Van der Maas, owner of Doc’s Deli in Mansfield. Susan built her award-winning business from the ground up and she gave the cohort class advice from the trenches. She told the group to focus on the four “knows:” Know your self, know your customers, know your community, and know your numbers.
With entrepreneurship, the numbers really matter, and not just for the business owner. Van der Maas’ Doc’s Deli has created 5 new jobs in our local economy, and job creation is an effort that NCSC is hoping this class will bolster.
Dr. Diab stated, “It’s just part of our mission to reach out to the community, reach out to all segments, and all demographics, especially those uncomfortable at main campus. Having a center close to them so they can be entrepreneurs is important. For Mansfield to be competitive in a global economy, the more we can grow our own, the better. It’s about raising educational attainment so they can get a job or create a job. This creates a better quality of life, and a more vibrant community.”
Participants in the program have been busy creating. Diamond Boyd developed a fashion brand, Pizazz, while still in high school. Argene Washington already had a masters degree in education and owned Teach Me Preschool & Childcare before joining the cohort. Carol Davis’ Mixblues sauces have made their way into stadiums and retailers across the state. Rhonda Sylvester, also known as DJ Flip, founded 2nd to None Productions. Belinda Morgan’s Budget Custom Furniture specializes quality furniture on a budget. When asked about their experiences in the program there is a common thread in all the student’s remarks. They achieved more than they anticipated, and the program empowered them to do so; specifically they point to their professor.
Tsvaris is known for saying, “Fail fast, fail cheap.” Its a bit unsettling the first time a student hears it, but that mantra prepares students for the reality of entrepreneurship, and she couples it with love. Love that makes giving up that much tougher. According to her student Belinda Morgan, “She will not let you quit.”
For more about the Urban Center Entrepreneur Certificate Program visit http://www.ncstatecollege.edu/cms/academics/degrees/certificate-programs/entrepreneurship-certificate. An intimate portrait of the students and their experience is available in this video.
For Mansfield to be competitive in a global economy, the more we can grow our own, the better. It’s about raising educational attainment so they can get a job or create a job. This creates a better quality of life, and a more vibrant community.
