Date Posted: September 3, 2024
Along with numerous community partners and supporters, Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) officially cut the ribbon for the Butts County Small Business Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) at a Grand Opening Ceremony held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the SCTC Butts County Center in Jackson.
Open to both the public and students, the SBEC is designed to nurture and support both established entrepreneurs and those just starting out and serves as a hub for business development offering workshops, training programs, and personalized consulting to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business. The facility is equipped with modern resources and technology to facilitate learning and innovation. The center also focuses on creating a supportive community atmosphere where entrepreneurs can network, share experiences, and collaborate. By providing access to expert guidance, practical tools, and a collaborative environment, the center aims to empower local business leaders to thrive within the community.
In his remarks, SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark said, “SCTC’s Small Business Entrepreneurship Center has long been part of our plan to support workforce development and I am elated to finally see this vision come to life. Having a dedicated space that fosters creativity and offers the needed resources and guidance for our students, graduates, community, and budding entrepreneurs is a perfect complement to our programs and curriculum. Whether you’re looking to launch a new venture or expand an existing one, the SCTC Small Business Entrepreneurship Centers are committed to helping individuals in this community achieve their goals.”
Jacqueline McKoon, President and CEO of the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, and Bob White, Executive Director of the Butts County Development Authority, both spoke during the event on the importance of the SBEC to the economic vitality of the region. McKoon stated, “We are so excited about the opening of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center in Butts County. This is a wonderful tool and resource for entrepreneurs, and I believe that this is going to do great things for our community both in the long and short term. I want to thank Southern Crescent Technical College for leading the charge to bring this important and much-needed initiative to the citizens of Butts County.”
White added, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in Butts County and account for a large percentage of the local jobs. Creating this Small Business Entrepreneurship Center to aid business owners will be a vital tool to support and boost our economic ecosystem.”
At the SBEC, Southern Crescent Technical College plans to provide a comprehensive range of resources and services dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial success. SCTC’s SBEC offers a variety of courses and amenities designed to support and enhance the entrepreneurial experience with unique facilities and services tailored to meet diverse business needs. The SBEC amenities are designed to provide practical support for entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey, from content creation and product development to meetings and collaboration. A Podcast Room and meeting spaces of various sizes are available at the SBEC in Butts County.
Participation and use of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Centers, including its programs and equipment, will be available for use at no cost to all currently enrolled SCTC credit, dual enrollment high school, and adult education students. The facility and various amenities will be available for rental to all other individuals.\
During the event, Dr. Clark presented Butts County School System CTAE Director Dr. Sohmer McKibben a check for $3,000 to offer ten $300 stipends to local high school students as they begin their entrepreneurial journey. Dr. Clark stated, “This Small Business Entrepreneurship Center is critical to assisting aspiring entrepreneurs as they launch their businesses. We want to help them in every way possible to fulfill their dreams and this donation is a way for us to show our commitment to their success.” This presentation was made possible by a donation from Amazon to support SCTC’s Small Business Entrepreneurship Centers.
Additionally, Phil Wise, a representative from UGA’s Small Business Development Center, was on hand to sign a partnership agreement with Southern Crescent Technical College to offer a comprehensive eight-course series designed to equip small business owners with the critical tools and knowledge needed to thrive. This partnership will give members access to both local and statewide resources to start and grow their businesses.
SCTC plans to open additional SBECs at the Flint River Campus and the Henry County Center in late September. For more information including rental information or to visit the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center at the Southern Crescent Technical College Butts County Center, contact 770-229-3015 or SBEC@sctech.edu.