Garrett County Government - Department of Business Development

Pathways to Entrepreneurship Cohort Completes Training

Last Updated on Aug 25, 2023 at 12:45pm | Education

Article courtesy of The Republican Newspaper. Staff WriterClaire Sullivan. Photo submitted by Garrett College.
 
 
The Pathways to Entrepreneurship Program culminated in a networking event. Networking participants were, left to right, front row: Claire Oreskovich (student), Kate Buchanan (student) and Kaitlyn Glotfelty (Garrett College). In the back row: Holly Lane (Garrett County Chamber of Commerce), Andrew Sargent (Maryland Department of Commerce), Andrew Fike (Garrett County Chamber of Commerce), Connor Norman (Garrett County Business Development), Kim Govi (Garrett College), Kim Durst (Garrett County Business Development), Chuck Ernst (TEDCO), and Pat McCormick (Small Business Development Center). Not pictured: Jodi Broadwater (SBDC) and Amber Miner (student).MCHENRY — Three local students recently completed entrepreneurial training offered through a partnership between Garrett College and Carroll College.
 
Claire Oreskovich (McHenry), Kate Buchanan (Oakland) and Amber Miner (Grantsville) successfully completed the Pathways to Entrepreneurship Program at Garrett College through GC’s Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) Division.
 
The program provided upcoming entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to set and reach their own goals for their future business, according to Dr. Kim Govi, GC’s coordinator of professional education.
 
“To complete the program, students began with a ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ course on starting a business,” said Govi. “They then participated in a ‘Preparation for Pathways to Entrepreneurship’ course, and then took the 80-hour ‘Pathways to Entrepreneurship’ course.”
 
Govi noted that during the pathways course, students received one-on-one consultation, developed core competencies, and created a business plan.
 
“At the end of the program, students attended a networking event where they learned about local resources for businesses and made connections to support their future endeavors,” added Govi. “The Pathways to Entrepreneurship program provides a solid framework for upcoming entrepreneurs. Students learn valuable skills such as business planning, market research, budgeting and accounting, and human resources.
 
“In the development of the Garrett College program, it was important that students were connected to local community resources. Participating students completed the program with a business plan and a direct linkage to local resources. Participating students left the program recognizing the value of the connection to a community of support in their entrepreneurial journey.”
 
Participating students received a voucher to take the Entrepreneurship and Small Business certification exam.
 
The next Pathways to Entrepreneurship program will start in fall 2024.
 
For additional information, contact Kimberly Govi at 301-387-3084, or kimberly.govi@garrettcollege.edu.
 
Photo (l-r):
Front row: Claire Oreskovich (student), Kate Buchanan (student) and Kaitlyn Glotfelty (Garrett College)
Back row: Holly Lane (Garrett County Chamber of Commerce), Andrew Sargent (Maryland Department of Commerce), Andrew Fike (Garrett County Chamber of Commerce), Connor Norman (Garrett County Business Development), Kim Govi (Garrett College), Kim Durst (Garrett County Business Development), Chuck Ernst (TEDCO), and Pat McCormick (Small Business Development Center). Not pictured: Jodi Broadwater (SBDC) and Amber Miner (student)