RIO GRANDE – Rio Grande University and Rio Grande Community College are the inaugural recipients of the Appalachian Community College (CCA) Entrepreneurship Award. Cole Massey, director of the Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, accepted the award on behalf of the college at CCA’s annual conference in Asheville, N.C., earlier this month.
The Entrepreneur Awards recognize outstanding programs at the community college level aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among students and the community at large. Highlights at the Rio Grande Entrepreneurship Center include the inaugural “Storm Tank” business pitch competition, an eight-week “Think Like an Entrepreneur” class and the eight-week “Ignite Appalachian Business Bootcamp.”
“We are so grateful that CCA has recognized the work we are doing to renew the culture of entrepreneurship in Rio,” Massey said. “This region was built by entrepreneurs who took big risks and made great sacrifices to uplift their communities through their business. We are blessed with so many inspiring success stories, and the most rewarding part of my job is seeing student entrepreneurs develop their ideas and connect with the local people who bring them to life.”
Rio’s Entrepreneurship Center is dedicated to helping students and local residents access free business consultations, connections to local business growth resources and specialized programs. The Center also partners with the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce, the Central Appalachian Women’s Business Center and Shawnee State University for entrepreneurship development programs.
Appalachian Community College is an organization serving community colleges throughout the Appalachian region. Their annual conference brings together educators, administrators and community leaders to share best practices and recognize outstanding contributions to education and economic development.
For more information about joining the Entrepreneurship Center at Rio Grande University and Rio Grande Community College, contact Massie at cmassie@rio.edu.
About Rio Grande University and Rio Grande Community College
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Rio is the epitome of accessible and affordable education. Our main campus is a mecca for learning, innovation and technology, offering students the reassurance and charm of a rural setting. With over 60 diverse programs to choose from, Rio allows students to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificate programs. Our commitment also extends to our four regional centers in Jackson, MacArthur, Meigs and Pike, where we are committed to enriching our communities by providing a quality education and cultivating a strong workforce. At the core of our institution are our dedicated faculty who serve as both educators and leaders, committed to the academic and personal growth of each student. Rio’s academically challenging programs are complemented by a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, creating a holistic educational experience.
* * *
••• Publisher’s note: A free press is essential to informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations have opted for paid websites or expensive paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for our community for the past 25 years. If you would like to donate to this service, we would greatly appreciate it. Please send donations to The Highland County Press, PO Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please write “for website” in the memo line.
