FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 29, 2016) – With a proven track record of awarding numerous credentials focused on entrepreneurship, Tarrant County College now is extending its commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial culture in the Tarrant County community.
In November, TCC Chancellor Eugene V. Giovannini, Ed.D., signed the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge—an initiative of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), of which Giovannini is board chairman. By taking the pledge, Giovannini signals TCC’s dedication to supporting future entrepreneurs on campus as well as local startups and small businesses.
“Entrepreneurship and innovation represent a powerful combination to create new economic opportunities and new prosperity across the region and throughout the country,” said Giovannini. “Because of community colleges’ accessibility and close ties to the community, we are uniquely positioned to support entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial methods on our campuses and in the surrounding areas.”
As part of the pledge, Giovannini and the College will expand internal and external teams dedicated to entrepreneurship; work to increase entrepreneurs’ engagement with TCC; incorporate industry trends into curricular planning; hold industry-specific entrepreneurship events; and, leverage College and community assets to support innovation and job creation.
The small business sector adds more net new jobs to the American economy than large businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the first three quarters of 2014, small businesses brought 1.4 million new jobs to the national marketplace. The most recent data show that small business openings are outpacing closures.
TCC offers the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Program, which allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science, certificate or marketable skills award on Northwest Campus. Students are prepared to start their own ventures or continue their education at a university. Community and Industry Education Services provides an Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, a noncredit fast track to small business development skills, at South Campus.
More than 165 community college leaders across the country and internationally have joined Giovannini in signing the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge. Learn more on the NACCE website.
