I’ve written before about the great tools we have for starting and growing a business. Another important tool is access to local colleges and universities. In addition to a strong economy, vibrant tourist destination, great hospitals, supportive city government, and a SCORE chapter, Petoskey is also home to North Central Michigan College.
Founded in 1958 and located just a few blocks from downtown Petoskey, Northcentral University strives to provide excellent, accessible and relevant higher education to all learners while serving as a convener and trusted partner for the community.
With an enrollment of more than 1,700 students, North Central is ranked the top community college in Northern Michigan and the third-best community college in Michigan for cost and quality. It offers a wide range of programs in health, technology, science and the arts, as well as lifelong learning opportunities. North Central Michigan College brings $74.2 million in additional revenue to the region, representing 1.5 percent of the gross regional product, and supports 1 in 49 jobs in the region through both college and student work. Approximately 42,000 graduates work in the region.
But what are the benefits for entrepreneurs and small businesses? Here are some examples:
Access to talent pool: Universities are home to a diverse pool of talent, including students with different skills and knowledge. Entrepreneurs can tap into this talent pool for internships, part-time jobs, and even full-time jobs to build a capable team.
Northcentral University offers College Central, a “gateway” to a career advancement network that leverages cutting edge technology to quickly and easily connect employers with talented entry-level talent. Employers can post job listings and students can post resumes. Visit https://www.collegecentral.com/ncmich/.
Networking opportunities: North Central Michigan College offers a number of classes, lectures and seminars where entrepreneurs can engage with students, faculty and alumni. These lectures include a luncheon lecture program held throughout the year featuring speakers on topics relevant to the community. There are also international lectures and research presentations by faculty and students. The College’s Lifelong Learning Club offers over 100 diverse classes taught by qualified instructors. Since August 2020, over 7,000 people have attended. Events of all kinds can be found on the College’s website at www.ncmich.edu.[コミュニティとイベント]Click to find out.
Access resources and training: North Central’s Corporate and Community Education department offers online professional development workshops for budding entrepreneurs and small business owners. Classes offered are affordable, fun, fast, convenient and tailored to your needs. Courses include starting a small business, web page creation, accounting, Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and more. There are 184 programs for business and 73 for computer applications. Visit www.ed2go.com/ncmc to view offerings.
There are also many degree programs available, including business, accounting, communications, and information technology. Or, small business owners can simply take classes in areas that will help them grow their business. Many local business owners take courses in graphic design, social media, marketing, and business law. These programs can provide important support in the early stages of building a business. For a complete list of programs, visit www.ncmich.edu/academics/programs.
Access to continuing education: Many universities offer continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars for entrepreneurs. These programs can provide valuable skills, knowledge, and insights that help entrepreneurs remain competitive in the industry. In 2022, the first cohort of the Fast Track Healthcare program, which was born out of discussions with local healthcare leaders who noted the need for additional medical assistants, is now full. The Fast Track program currently offers 15 cohorts in medical assistant, welding, bookkeeping, information technology, certified nursing assistant, and dental assistant. Fast-Track students receive grant funding from the Michigan Accelerated Learning and Teaching Program and scholarship support from the NCMC Foundation, allowing them to complete the program debt-free and with no out-of-pocket costs.
Community Engagement and Brand Building: Engaging with the local university community can help entrepreneurs increase brand awareness and establish themselves as thought leaders in their field. Participating in events, guest lectures, and student projects can increase visibility and credibility. For example, North Central Michigan University’s sustainability program brings many businesses and thought leaders to campus. The university established a Campus Sustainability Committee to create tangible progress to make the campus more sustainable. The committee guides changes to reduce the university’s environmental impact, encourages fiscal responsibility, and educates students and the community on best practices for a sustainable future. Committee members can be contacted by email at sustainability@ncmich.edu or by visiting www.ncmich.edu/about-us/ and clicking on “Sustainability.”
Support Ecosystem: Local universities often play a central role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities. By collaborating with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, investors and industry partners, universities can create a supportive environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive.
One example of community engagement and support is the North Central Child Care Initiative, launched in 2022 to meet the need for a sustainable community-centered child care system in Emmet County. In 2023, the college received an additional $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School program (CCAMPIS) to expand child care access to parents of NCMC students with infants and young children. In 2024, the college will establish the NCMC Child Care Program, a four-classroom proof-of-concept prototype built on a real-cost business model. For more information, visit www.ncmich.edu/community-events and click on Child Care Initiative.
North Central Michigan College plays a key role in driving regional growth and community well-being. The college’s commitment to access to education and its essential role in the community are important to Petoskey’s future. For families and investors, North Central Michigan College is a key asset, helping to enhance the region’s attractiveness as a place to live, learn, work and thrive. For entrepreneurs, the college is a valuable resource, providing access to the talent, expertise, support services and training that can contribute greatly to their success.
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses start, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Tip of the Mitt SCORE coaches by phone, Zoom, email and in person. Visit SCORE.org to request a mentor and a mentor will contact you to set up an appointment that works for both of your schedules. It’s free and confidential, and we look forward to working with you.
Kathy Burdines has a background in marketing and volunteers as a business mentor with SCORE’s Tip of the Mitt chapter.
