Third Regional Entrepreneur Academy kickoff

Third Regional Entrepreneur Academy kickoff

The 2014 Regional Entrepreneurial Academy got a motivational jumpstart from Dr. Derek Greenfield, director of Educational Equity and Inclusion at Alcorn, who spoke at the Academy’s first session. A room full of promising and enthusiastic small business owners gathered in the conference area of the Alcorn Technology Incubator in Natchez, Mississippi, to begin the 10-session Academy.

“During the next five months, attendees will be exposed to and focus on all the critical elements of beginning a successful small business such as insurance, accounting, financing and the all-important business plan,” shared Dr. Ruth Nichols, assistant vice president for Educational and Community Partnerships at Alcorn.

This is the third regional Entrepreneur Academy sponsored by Alcorn State University, Natchez, Inc. and Mississippi Development Authority. Throughout the year workshops are also offered concerning the important skills of operating a small business. Results from the previous Academies have been positive with the creation or expansion of more than 35 businesses in southwestern Mississippi. One of those businesses is “incubating” in the AlcornTechnology Incubator at 300 Franklin Street.

As the students introduced themselves, they shared their business ideas with the class. Some wish to begin an event planning business while others are interested in residential cleaning, mortuaries, clothing factories, personal shopping, home organization and other exciting concepts. Classes for this Academy will continue through May, 2014.

For more information, contact Dr. Ruth Nichols at [email protected] or Natchez, Inc. at 601-445-0288.