The MWBE Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship at Nassau Community College will level the playing field for MWBEs by increasing their chances of success as small businesses within their chosen industry.
This Center will provide resources and individualized instruction to MWBEs thereby increasing the available opportunities readily accessible to them. The goal of the Center is to remove persistent barriers that continue to hinder MWBEs from actively participating in the County procurement/contracting process and to position these businesses to develop, grow and maximize their full economic potential.
The MWBE Center will align itself with strategic partners and collaborate with specific, well-established community-based organizations and not-for-profit organizations that incorporate evidence-based strategies into their methods of facilitating small business success. The MWBE Center will then utilize these collaborations by connecting experienced business-mined individuals and organizations with MWBEs.
The MWBE Center will engage experienced and successful entrepreneurs who will serve as mentors, coaches, and counselors to work with MWBEs to address issues and discuss best practices related to starting and growing a successful business. This individualized instruction will take shape in the form of ongoing educational workshops and face-to-face mentoring sessions either in person, virtually or hybrid. Mentors and coaches will provide guidance related to the complexities of organizing, operating and growing a small business enterprise. This strategy offers interactive workshops on topics such as creating a business plan, preparing for and accessing capital needs, best accounting practices, how to use artificial intelligence, procurement 101, and additional programs as needed.
Given NCC’s unique positioning, The MWBE Center will utilize the expertise of the College’s Workforce Development and Career & Transfer Counseling Departments, along with the College’s respected faculty, to ensure the success of the Program. The College will also provide additional resources by establishing internship opportunities for NCC students. Students will gain meaningful and practical experience working with MWBEs on business technology, marketing strategies, communications, social media, economics, business and accounting, to name a few disciplines.