Earlier this year , the region received an entrepreneurial boost when Daytona State College was awarded an Entrepreneurship Education & Training grant from the Florida Department of Education . In addition to offering students the
Joe Roy opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship , the grant will enable the college to partner with local development organizations and businesses in Flagler and Volusia counties .
In a media release announcing the grant award , Sherryl Weems , associate vice president of the Mary Karl College of Workforce & Continuing Education , highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial thinking .
“ Entrepreneurial mindset training is an essential life skill that will empower the employability of our students ” she said in the release . “ The training reinforces our commitment to our business community to fully embrace the value of providing intentional approaches that ensure our students are competitive and add value in the workplace .”
According to Joe Wright , the Daytona State program comes at an opportune time for entrepreneurs in the region .
“ I have a pile of small businesses in town ,” Wright said , adding the community is ripe with promise for the next generation of entrepreneurs .
“ I think that we ’ re young enough that we still have a lot of opportunities ,” he said of Palm Coast and Flagler County .
Wright said a more cooperative attitude from local governments has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurial activity .
“ In that last 18 months to two years , there has been a change in mentality in the city and county ,” he said . “ Right now , they are picture perfect for somebody who wants to come in a start a small business . This is the right atmosphere .”
Aaron London is a reporter and columnist who has covered business and economics for 27 years . He has worked for newspapers in Ohio and Florida and is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Daytona State College .
JUNE 2021 | 15 |