Honoring Our Roots: A September of Celebration & Partnership

Honoring Our Roots: A September of Celebration & Partnership

This September, NACCE is proud to embrace a theme that sits at the very heart of our mission: Celebration & Partnership. As we prepare for our upcoming Annual Conference in Massachusetts—the historic birthplace of NACCE—and look ahead to our milestone 25th conference in 2027, we are reflecting on the incredible journey that brought us here.

NACCE was founded on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College with a visionary mission: to serve as a national catalyst for entrepreneurship education across all community colleges. But a mission cannot thrive in isolation. Our story truly began through the power of partnership, catalyzed by a pivotal founding donation from Friendly Ice Cream Corporation co-founder S. Prestley Blake, who challenged us to "MAKE IT WORK!"

Nearly two decades later, that spirit of collaboration continues to fuel our impact. From landmark historical alliances with the White House and the Kauffman Foundation to modern-day grants alongside corporate trailblazers, strategic partnerships allow us to resource classrooms, empower educators, and champion entrepreneurial thinking nationwide. Thank you to the members and partners who build this future with us every day. Let's celebrate our shared journey!

-Amy Bouvier
Vice President Finance, Board Relations
NACCE