You CAN expand your practical knowledge while nurturing your big ideas! The Entrepreneurial Studies Institute (ESI) offers the courses, programs, professors, mentors and resources you need to launch and grow your business. We’ll help you develop a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and provide the tools to identify business opportunities, join entrepreneurial ventures or work for an established organization. ESI graduates are often in demand by growth-oriented companies wanting to incorporate entrepreneurial vision and innovation in their firms.
Our students run the gamut of experience. Whether you’re straight out of high school, took a break from your education to start your business, or already have a degree: we’re here for you. Any credit or noncredit AACC student, regardless of their field of study can take advantage of the services and resources of the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute. In fact, while many of our students pursue an associate degree in Entrepreneurial Studies, more students earn a certificate in Entrepreneurship while studying to become massage therapists, personal trainers, electricians, child care providers, restauranteurs, architects and more.
Our curriculum is founded on the concept of engaged learning, meaning it’s designed for students to be actively involved, but you should plan on taking it a step further. Prepare to be enthusiastic, collaborative, open to new ideas and willing to put yourself out there when it comes to learning. Our instructors and advisors serve as coaches who are eager to work with you. All have been executives, small business owners or entrepreneurs and know how scary and exciting it can be to start your own business. Know they will encourage you every step of the way, and if you hang in there, soak in the knowledge and try hard, you’re bound to see improvements in your public speaking, time management, negotiation skills and leadership.
The Entrepreneurial Studies Institute offers an associate of applied science degree in entrepreneurship, and for students majoring in other fields who are looking for a value-added credential, we offer the six-course (18 credit) credit certificate or three course (9 credit) letter of recognition.
Already have a degree and interested in picking up a course or two? You’re welcome to enroll in a single credit course or choose from dozens of noncredit courses in business, entrepreneurship and technology that can help you better manage your books, write a business plan or set up your internet business.
Learn more about majoring in Entrepreneurship.
No more theory-only instruction. Get ready to apply your learning to the real world and to your professional pursuits with useful, practical, hands-on information from faculty with experience as business executives and entrepreneurs. They not only teach, they coach and lead. Start your academic planning with an academic advisor, but if you would like to learn more about the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute or which offerings are best for you, we are here to help.
Stephanie Goldenberg, acting academic chair, assistant professor
410-777-1265
slgoldenberg@aacc.edu
CRSC 339
Anthony Baker, Ph.D., assistant professor
410-777-2061
aebaker@aacc.edu
CRSC 317
Steve Berry, instructional specialist
410-777-2363
smberry1@aacc.edu
CRSC 318
Michele French, Business and Law program assistant
410-777-2390
mafrench@aacc.edu
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Donna Sutherland, Business and Law office manager
410-777-2390
dmsutherland1@aacc.edu
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Anthony Baker
Professor
Social Entrepreneurship
aebaker@aacc.edu
Carlene Cassidy
Professor
Healthcare IT Management
cmcassidy@aacc.edu
Thomisha Duru-Nnebue
Adjunct Faculty
Non-profit Management
tmdurunnebue@aacc.edu
LaTanya Eggleston
Adjunct Professor
Business Coaching & Communications
lkeggleston@aacc.edu
Ken Jarvis
Professor
Restaurant Management
kjarvis@aacc.edu
Kevin Logan
Adjunct Professor
Telecommunications
kologan@aacc.edu
Lindsay McCulloch
Associate Professor
Art as a Business
lkmcculloch@aacc.edu
Brenda McIlrath-Dilts
Adjunct Professor
Small Business Management & Business Coaching
bldilts@aacc.edu
Brandi Shepard
Associate Professor
Architecture
brshepard@aacc.edu
Mecaël Yuan
Adjunct Professor
Marketing
mlyuan@aacc.edu
Karen Vaillant
410-777-1228
kvaillant@aacc.edu
SSVC 224C
Rob O'Malley
410-777-1948
romalley1@aacc.edu
AMIL 105
Any credit or noncredit AACC student, regardless of their field of study, can use the Hatchery, apply for scholarships and participate in the competitions.
Careers Center Room 326, Arnold
Hundreds of students have benefited from the Hatchery’s fully equipped business library, private and work group spaces, conference room and computers loaded with software applications helpful to those starting new ventures. In addition to Microsoft Office products and the current term’s textbooks, you’ll have access to Quickbooks, Business Plan Pro and a color printer. Meet with classmates, network, work on your business plan, study or just stop by, relax and enjoy complimentary snacks with a cup of coffee or tea.
The Ratcliffe Foundation believes in supporting student entrepreneurs with their education regardless of the venture. Each student may earn up to the lifetime maximum of $12,000! Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, internship awards and seed funds to several hundred students. Internship awards to cover costs not covered by scholarships also are available.
Each fall credit and noncredit students compete for cash prizes for the best new big idea. Students record and submit online their 2-minute pitch of a unique or original idea that solves a problem or creates a convenience.
In AACC’s version of the ABC Network’s “Shark Tank,” credit and noncredit students who have successfully completed an AACC course in the last year compete for money to support their business venture. They present a comprehensive business plan and pitch their idea to a panel of judges. In spring 2019, eight businesses received seed funds ranging from $1,000 to $16,000 for a total of $50,000. One company received a one-year membership in the Hatchery, AACC's student business incubator, and eight new $12,000 scholarships were awarded. This competition provided over $100,000 for students!
Connect with other students, hear amazing speakers and participate in fun field trips to places like Under Armour, New York City, Hershey Park and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Guest lecturers speak on sales and marketing, creativity and idea generation, stress management, accounting tips, and legal issues. The Entrepreneurs' Club (E-Club) meets twice a month and participates in community service. Any student from any field or major can attend the meetings, join the field trips and use the information in their business ventures.
This episode of the podcast is about following your passion and finding your voice — with the help of a business mentor. First, we'll hear how Amanda Behrens left a job she loved to pursue her passion. Then we'll listen as Ken Jarvis describes his own experiences, including what it's like to mentor budding entrepreneurs.
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