EEVF Phase I: Proof of Concept

Beginning in 2017, EEVF Phase I selected four community colleges to engage in its pilot program:

• Hillsborough Community College (Tampa, FL)
• Middlesex Community College (Bedford/Lowell, MA)
• Monroe Community College (Rochester, NY)
• Wayne County Community College (Detroit, MI).

Each community college received grant funds to provide seed funding for community-based business start-ups which were administered by the college’s foundation, who was encouraged to solicit additional funds from local corporations and individual donors to create a sustainable grant pool. Phase I used the following selection criteria:

• Committed faculty working alongside College Presidents and Deans;
• College Foundation willing to leverage community resources and secure additional funds;
• Existing entrepreneurship curriculum; and
• Commitment to facilitating one year of mentorship for new businesses post-launch.

To date, EEVF Phase I has launched upwards of 50 businesses through student grants or loans at the discretion of Phase I pilot college funding committees. 

We are thrilled that this cohort continues to build program sustainability. Congratulations to Middlesex Community College! With gratitude, we are pleased to acknowledge a gift of $100,000 grant to support small business and community growth from the Cummings Foundation. 

There are so many ways to get involved -- let us know if you're interested in hearing more about EEVF! Email info@nacce.com today.