Purpose: To identify postsecondary institutions (community/technical colleges) which may or may not be associated with business incubators. Ideally, we would like to find postsecondary institutions working closely with incubators, but partnerships with business in general will suffice. Focus groups will be conducted with administrators, instructors, students, and entrepreneurs in locations where postsecondary institutions are offering well-established entrepreneurial programs. The objective will be to gain an understanding of curriculum opportunities, instructional approach, school-to-work assistance context, and actual experiences of business owners.
Community/Technical College:
Address:
Contact Person: _______________________ Phone #: _________________ Title: ________________________________ Fax #: _________________Program/Course description: Include information on school-based programs or courses on entrepreneurial skills, business, management, or training in related areas. Attach any relevant materials (e.g., course listings, course syllabus, and brochures).
Program stability: Document length of operation, funding commitment, and enrollment.
Partnership with industry: Identify links with industry to complement program/ course with work-based experience. Other connections with industry to be considered: work with incubators and partnerships to support school-to-work transition programs.
School-to-work transition assistance: Include connecting activities with high schools and local industry to expose students to career opportunities in business, employment opportunities, internships, and co-op programs.
Adult and continuing education: Identify school-based, community-based, and work-based programs which focus on entrepreneurial skills or business-related areas needed to assist in the start-up and operation of a business.
Educational services inclusive of all students: Include comprehensive assistance to all students, including minorities, women, and individuals with special needs.
Location: Include a variety of locations including urban, suburban, rural, and geographical distribution.
Sources of information: Incorporate journals, nominations, personal consultations, phone consultations, brochures, and so on.