I’ve written before about all the great tools in your toolbox to start and grow a business. Another important tool is access to a local college. In addition to a strong economy, a thriving tourist base, a major hospital, a supportive city government and a SCORE chapter, Petoskey also has North Central Michigan College.
Founded in 1958 and located just blocks from downtown Petoskey, North Central strives to deliver exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education for all learners while serving as a community convener and trusted partner.
With an enrollment of over 1,700 students, North Central was ranked the top community college in Northern Michigan based on cost and quality and was ranked the No. 3 Community College in Michigan. It offers wide-ranging programs in health care, technology, science and the arts, as well as lifelong learning opportunities. North Central Michigan College provides $74.2 million in additional income to our area, 1.5% of the total gross regional product, and supports 1 out of 49 regional jobs, both at the college and by its students. Some 42,000 alumni are employed in the region.
But what are the benefits to entrepreneurs and small businesses? Here are some examples.
Access to talent pool: Colleges are hubs of diverse talent, including students with various skills and knowledge. Entrepreneurs can tap into this talent pool for internships, part-time jobs, or even full-time positions, helping them build capable teams.
North Central offers College Central, a “gateway” to a career advancement network that provides leading-edge technology for connecting employers with qualified emerging talent, quickly and easily. Employers can post jobs, and students can post resumes. Visit https://www.collegecentral.com/ncmich/.
Networking opportunities: North Central Michigan College offers many classes, lectures and seminars where entrepreneurs can connect with students, faculty and alumni. These lectures include the year-round Luncheon Lecture program providing speakers on topics relevant to the community. There are also international lectures and research presentations by faculty and their students. The college’s Lifelong Learning Club offers more than 100 diverse classes taught by qualified instructors. More than 7,000 people have participated since August of 2020. Events of all kinds can be found on the college website, www.ncmich.edu, by clicking on Community and Events.
Access to resources and training: North Central’s Corporate and Community Education Division offers online professional development workshops for the budding entrepreneur and small business owner. Class offerings are affordable, fun, fast, convenient and geared for you! Course offerings include such content as starting your own small business, creating webpages, accounting, Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks. There are 184 programs geared toward business and 73 toward computer applications. To see what’s offered, go to www.ed2go.com/ncmc.
There are also many degree programs, including business, accounting, communication, information technology and more. Or, small business owners can simply take a class in an area that will help you grow your business. Many local business owners have taken courses in graphic design, social media, marketing or business law. These programs can provide crucial support in the early stages of building a business. For a complete listing of programs, go to www.ncmich.edu/academics/programs.
Access to continuing education: Many colleges offer continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars tailored for entrepreneurs. These programs can provide valuable skills, knowledge, and insights to help entrepreneurs stay competitive in their industries. In 2022 the inaugural cohort of the Fast Track Healthcare program, born from discussions with local health care leaders who cited a need for additional medical assistants, hit full capacity. The Fast Track program now offers 15 cohorts in medical assisting, welding, bookkeeping, information technology, certified nurse’s aide, and dental assisting. Fast-Track students receive scholarship support from the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program grants as well as from the NCMC Foundation, so they can complete the program debt-free, with no out-of-pocket cost.
Community engagement and brand building: Engaging with a local college community can help entrepreneurs build brand awareness and establish themselves as thought leaders in their field. Participating in events, guest lectures, or student projects can enhance visibility and credibility. For example, North Central Michigan College’s Sustainability Program has brought many businesses and thought leaders to campus. The college established a Campus Sustainability Committee to produce measurable progress in making the campus more sustainable. The committee guides change that reduces the college’s environmental impact, encourages fiscal responsibility and educates students and the community about best practices for a sustainable future. Contact committee members via email at sustainability@ncmich.edu or visit www.ncmich.edu/about-us/ and click on Sustainability.
Supportive ecosystem: Local colleges often play a central role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems within their communities. By collaborating with other stakeholders such as government agencies, investors and industry partners, colleges can create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
An example of community engagement and support is North Central’s Childcare Initiative, begun in 2022 to meet the need of a sustainable, community-centered childcare system in Emmet County. In 2023, an additional $500,000 was received from the US Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School program (CCAMPIS) to expand childcare access to NCMC’s student parents with infants and toddlers. In 2024, the college will establish the NCMC Childcare Program, a four-classroom proof-of-concept prototype build on a true cost business model. To learn more, visit www.ncmich.edu/community-events and click on Child Care Initiative.
North Central Michigan College is a key player in driving regional growth and community well-being. The college’s commitment to accessible education, and its integral community role underscore its importance to Petoskey’s future. For families and investors, North Central Michigan College represents a vital asset, contributing to the region’s appeal as a place to live, learn, work, and thrive. For entrepreneurs, it is an invaluable resource, offering access to talent, expertise, support services and training that can significantly contribute to their success.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Tip of the Mitt SCORE mentors by phone, Zoom, email and in person. Go to SCORE.org and request a mentor and they will contact you to set up an appointment that works for both of your schedules. We are free and confidential and look forward to working with you.
Kathy Bardins has a marketing background and volunteers as a business mentor with SCORE’s Tip of the Mitt chapter.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Entrepreneurs can benefit from a local college’s presence
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