Winter Spring 2018 Edition NACCE_WinterSpring_2018_NonMember | Page 8

SPARKING ENTREPRENEURIAL THOUGHT Entrepreneurs Thrive in Campus Neighborhood By Linda Fausel, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin I n a historic Milwaukee neighborhood, inside a turn-of-the-century former factory, ideas – not circuit breakers – are being produced. Here, students build knowledge and share information while completing the entrepreneurship program at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s (MATC) Education Center. “We are becoming known as the place to get things done,” said Armen Hadjinian, the program coordinator and instructor. MATC’s entrepreneurship program is one of the first offered in Wisconsin. It began in 2012 and since then, 90 to 120 students have enrolled each semester. The 30-credit, two-semester technical diploma and six-credit certificate programs are offered in person and online. Classes include strategic business communication, new product development, managerial accounting, personal finance and more. “As an entrepreneur, finance is more than issuing stocks and bonds,” Hadjinian said. “You have to know how to handle your own money.” Makerspace with Built-in Teachers In October, MATC’s Education Center will open the doors to its first makerspace. While many makerspaces have strict admission policies and follow a do-it-yourself model, MATC’s will not charge students admission or require membership. Only non-students will likely pay a nominal fee, and the charge will include access to equipment mentors. “People with knowledge and experience are here to help,” Hadjinian said. “Our instructors will answer questions and show you how to use the equipment.” Student Brenda Byrd designed a device to help her get to a standing Jim Schiller, a retired insurance and investments agent (left) and Armen Hadjinian, his entrepreneurship instructor, review coursework at the MATC Education Center. position after a hip replacement. Aimee Hubiak, a MATC mechanical technology instructor, initially met with Byrd to talk about the possibilities. “We discussed ways her design could be modeled in a CAD (computer-aided design) package,” Hubiak said. Byrd is currently applying for a patent. “This program puts you with other inventors,” said Byrd. “It gives you the opportunity to work with people as creative as you are.” Hubiak feels the entrepreneurship program is important because it helps people realize they don’t have to wait for other people or companies to create new products. “With an idea and some support to develop it, anyone can solve a problem,” Hubiak said. Faculty, Community Support James Schiller is a retired insurance and investment agent, trainer and consultant. As a small-business owner, Schiller wanted to expand his knowledge and perhaps start a new business, so he enrolled in an entrepreneurship class. “When you retire in your 60s, you may have 25 or 30 years to fill up with interesting activities,” Schiller said. One of his ideas is to develop a program that helps seniors find recreational activities that fit their interests and volunteer opportunities related to their areas of expertise. “With an idea and some support to develop it, anyone can solve a problem.” Schiller enjoys the course and Hadjinian’s teaching methods. “Hadjinian uses a guidance-and-coaching method, rather than a lecture format, and welcomes discussions and brainstorming. He is known for his open-door office hours,” Schiller said. Jasmine Hernandez, community president of WaterStone Bank in Milwaukee, is an MATC graduate who serves on the college’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee. “This program is making a positive impact in the community,” Hernandez said. “In my banking role, I have met with numerous startup business owners. They need direction. MATC’s program is tailored around these individuals – it provides knowledge and resources.” ● Contact: [email protected] 8 Community College Entrepreneurship • Winter/Spring 2018