Rio Grande Wins Inaugural Entrepreneurship Award for Fostering Appalachian Innovation

Asheville, NC – The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College (Rio) snagged a pretty sweet win earlier this month: the first-ever Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA) Entrepreneurship Award. Cole Massie, the big kahuna of Economic Development and Center for Entrepreneurship, was there to accept the award in person at the CCA’s annual shindig in Asheville, NC.

Rio’s Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success

This award is a big deal, y’all! It recognizes all the awesome work Rio’s been doin’ to turn students and folks from the community into bona fide entrepreneurs. Check out some of their greatest hits:

• Inaugural “Storm Tank” Business Pitch Competition: Think “Shark Tank,” but with a lil’ more Appalachian flair. It’s a chance for those with big dreams to pitch their ideas and maybe even score some cash to get things rollin’.
• “Think Like an Entrepreneur” Class: This ain’t your grandma’s business class. This eight-week program is like boot camp for your brain, teaching you how to think outside the box and hustle like a pro.
• “Ignite Appalachia Business Bootcamp”: Hold onto your hats, folks! This eight-week program is the real deal, offering hands-on training and all the resources you need to launch your business idea into the stratosphere (or at least get it off the ground in Appalachia).

Honoring Appalachian Heritage, Empowering Future Leaders

“I’m tickled pink that CCA recognizes the blood, sweat, and tears we’ve poured into reviving that entrepreneurial spirit here at Rio,” said Massie. “This region was built by folks with guts, folks who bet it all to build something special for their communities. We’re lucky to have so many inspiring success stories right here at home. And lemme tell ya, one of the best parts of this gig is watching our student-entrepreneurs cook up these amazing ideas and connect with the movers and shakers who’ve already made it happen.”

A Collaborative Approach to Economic Development

Rio’s Center for Entrepreneurship is like that super-helpful friend who always has your back when it comes to business. They’re all about giving students and folks from the community the tools they need to succeed. Here’s the lowdown:

• Free business consultations: Need someone to bounce ideas off of or help you navigate the business world? Look no further! Rio’s got your back with personalized guidance and support.
• Connections to regional business growth resources: They’ll plug you into the network of organizations and programs that can help your business take off like a rocket.
• Specialized programming: Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, Rio offers workshops, seminars, and events tailored to your specific needs.

The Center also teams up with some major players in the region, including:

• Gallia County Chamber of Commerce: They’re all about tapping into those local connections and resources to give entrepreneurs a leg up.
• Women’s Business Center for Central Appalachia: Ladies, this one’s for you! They offer fantastic support and resources specifically designed to help women-owned businesses thrive.
• Shawnee State University: Sharing is caring, right? Rio and Shawnee State are all about joining forces and pooling their resources to make the biggest impact possible.

About the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA)

The CCA is like that cool club for community colleges throughout Appalachia. Their yearly conference is where all the education rockstars, administrators, and community leaders get together to:

• Share best practices: It’s like a giant brainstorming session to figure out how to make education and economic development even more awesome in the region.
• Recognize outstanding contributions: Time to give credit where credit’s due! They shine a spotlight on the folks and institutions who are knockin’ it outta the park and makin’ a real difference in Appalachia.

Igniting a Passion for Entrepreneurship: Student Success Stories

Rio’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit is perhaps best illustrated through the inspiring journeys of its students. Take, for instance, Sarah, a recent graduate whose innovative app idea blossomed from a class project into a fully-fledged business with the guidance and support of Rio’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Her story, alongside countless others, exemplifies the transformative power of fostering a culture of innovation and providing the necessary tools for success.

Then there’s David, a local entrepreneur who decided to take the leap and turn his passion for sustainable farming into a thriving business. With the help of Rio’s “Ignite Appalachia Business Bootcamp,” he gained the knowledge, connections, and confidence to navigate the complexities of launching and growing his venture. These stories, woven into the fabric of Rio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, paint a vibrant picture of a community dedicated to empowering its members to achieve their full potential.

Looking Ahead: Cultivating a Brighter Future for Appalachia

As Rio basks in the well-deserved recognition of the CCA Entrepreneurship Award, the institution remains steadfast in its mission to fuel economic growth and empower future generations of innovators. By providing unparalleled access to resources, fostering collaboration, and championing the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the region, Rio is playing a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Appalachia.

The ripple effects of their efforts extend far beyond the classroom, fostering a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, dreams take flight, and the entrepreneurial legacy of Appalachia continues to burn bright. This award, a testament to their unwavering commitment, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire region.

Get Involved with Rio’s Center for Entrepreneurship

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a million-dollar idea or just curious about dipping your toes into the world of business, Rio’s Center for Entrepreneurship is the place to be. Reach out to Cole Massie at [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved and become a part of this exciting journey!

About the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College

Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Rio Grande offers a welcoming and affordable education for all. With a close-knit community vibe on its main campus and four convenient regional centers, Rio has something for everyone. They’ve got over 60 academic programs to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your goals. The faculty are super passionate about helping students succeed, and they go above and beyond to create a well-rounded educational experience. Think challenging academics mixed with awesome extracurricular activities—the best of both worlds!