Politics & Government
Moving Entrepreneurship Forward
Snellville's Economic Development Department encourages the entrepreneurial spirit at South Gwinnett High School and through the GECC membership.
Those attending the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting at the Hail Mary Pub in Grayson on Wednesday were treated to a great lunch, networking and an insight into educating the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Manager and Emily Brown, Economic Development Intern from , explained how they are working with 52 students at to encourage entrepreneurship as part of their Economic Gardening philosophy … Snellville Style.
Explaining the cycle that includes lifestyle expectations of entrepreneurs and their plans to promote an environment which provides a quality of life that attracts these kinds of businesses, Brown explained that Snellville’s advantages lie in its location – the proximity to Atlanta is desirable. That it is retail-centric puts the city at a disadvantage. The plan includes fixing this problem with education.
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“High school students who participate in an entrepreneurial curriculum increase their leadership ability and therefore feel more in control of their lives,” Brown said.
With 2 classes this year which fulfill academic credits, they have launched the SGHS Entrepreneurship Alliance. Brown said they are “lighting a spark.” The Alliance looks to partner with higher education insistutes. Their hope is that these young entrepreneurs will stay in Snellville to grow their business.
Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
And to that end, they seek to tend Snellville's garden.
Each spring, a jury will evaluate the viability of business plans set forth by students in the program and with the intent of financing their endeavors, in part, with Alliance funding. The business community is encouraged to participate with funds for the program.
Otteren said that in three years they hope to achieve the status of an Entrepreneurial School of Excellence at South Gwinnett.
Addressing the opportunities and possibilities of entrepreneurs of all ages, Snellville hosts an Entrepreneur Symposium at South Gwinnett’s Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16th and Friday, Nov. 18th. For information, check out the STAT website.
