Benefits

Be a part of an award-winning program that has been empowering both rural and up-and-coming communities since 2007. CEC® is a proven model and a pioneering initiative for driving the success of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • Marketing your community as a CEC® will tell entrepreneurs it is a place where they can find resources and succeed
  • Action Plan for two entrepreneurship initiatives
  • Coaching and technical assistance from an experienced CEC® team
  • Measured program results through a Score Card
  • Access to proprietary content on entrepreneur programs
  • Website portal to access the Action Plan, Score Card, technical assistance, and network with other CEC® communities
  • Invitation to a Best Practice Annual Meeting
  • Leadership development for entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneur resource directory

The most important benefit of the program is engaging entrepreneurs in your community to work jointly on sustainable economic development strategies.

Testimonial-“ I know it’s working because I get referrals from everywhere – businesses, mayors, students, register of deeds, and many others.”

Steve Padgett,-Director
Cleveland Community College Small Business Center