Enactus at San Diego City College is rolling out a program entitled The Hatchery, which will offer business coaching for student entrepreneurs. The application process will begin Oct. 21 and qualified candidates will have until Nov. 4 to submit complete packets.
A committee of professors, business owners and students will choose five people to develop their very own micro-enterprise (a business of less than five employees). Qualification criteria includes current enrollment with plans to enroll next semester, as development will span both semesters.
In addition, a GPA of 2.5 or higher and the funds to own and operate your own business are required. Enactus will be considering those who currently own and operate a micro-enterprise, or those who have a plan and are ready to launch a new endeavor.
“It’s a hands-on opportunity for entrepreneurs who are either not sure how to start their own business or they’re struggling –— they started and quit, or lost focus —– to get them on track, “ explained Enactus Faculty Co-Advisor and Business and Marketing Professor Nancy Fredericks.
Fredericks assembled a team of four student leaders to spearhead the program. Accounting major and Enactus member, Mike Spencer, 51, is excited to jump into the roll of business coaching for his fellow peers.
“You have individuals who want to start a business but they haven’t really brought the concept together yet, or they may not have that drive. They’ve lost the drive because they’ve tried before, or, they’re just getting started and not familiar with the process.
Fredericks also emphasized the invaluable experience everyone involved stands to gain.
“Coaching means we might have to go do research with them, help them get it figured out and we’re learning too,” explained Fredericks. “So the students leaders are learning as the business owners are learning.”
This is the second time for a hatchery at City College. Back in 2011, 16 students were recommended by business professors and coached under a grant to Enactus. This is the first time this opportunity will be open to the entire campus.
Enactus operates three different programs and projects are selected for each program. They will launch The Hatchery under the Economics and Entrepreneurship program better known as “E^2.”
”A lot of what we’ll be doing is the strategic planning with them, the goals and objectives, the action steps, and helping them start moving forward,” added Fredericks.
Application packets are available in T-311 currently and will be offered online soon. The packet includes a business summary form on which Professor Fredericks stressed the importance of delivering a well-organized and articulated idea.
Enactus will hold 45-minute orientation sessions on campus Oct. 24 at 11:30 a.m. in the T-311 classroom, and 5:30 p.m. in A 15. Please contact the Business Resource Center in Room T-311 for additional information.
