A Pathway to Entrepreneurship
MCC student Brandon Rankl,
of Bolton and owner of “Mr. Junk,”
a full-service junk removal company.
Manchester, Conn., – (April 22, 2009)… Brandon Rankl never thought that he would be a business owner at the age of 20. Rankl, of Bolton, was one of three students that started their own business last semester, as part of the Entrepreneurship program at Manchester Community College (MCC). Rankl’s business, “Mr. Junk,” is a full-service junk removal company that was developed after researching franchises and other types of businesses as part of a class assignment. “This course really opened my eyes to see that it is possible to open a business, and it’s not that hard to do; just about anybody can do it,” stated Rankl.
Theresa Janeczek, assistant professor of business, recognizes the importance of this discipline and believes entrepreneurship is a win-win situation. “It empowers individuals to create their own jobs, while stimulating our local economy,” stated Janeczek. “In Connecticut, 97.5% of all businesses are classified as small, and with unemployment rates at record highs, entrepreneurship may be an option for many people.”
The Entrepreneurship program prepares students with the tools necessary to develop and start their own business. This program option is suitable for students who wish to earn a degree or certificate in business administration and may decide to open a small business in the future. MCC is working with the Connecticut state universities to provide pathways into their entrepreneurship programs. Currently, 15 students are enrolled in the program and many have looked into turning their hobbies or specialized skill into a viable business.
Theresa Janeczek, assistant professor
of business, recognizes the importance
of this discipline and believes entrepreneurship
is a win-win situation.
Janeczek has taken progressive steps to building relationships with community and educational organizations that focus on business ownership, including the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, the Connecticut Consortium of Entrepreneurship Educators and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). MCC and the SBA have teamed up to offer workshops once a month for small businesses in topics such as doing business with the government, exporting and selling products globally, and developing marketing and capability statements. “Collaboration on best practices for entrepreneurs is not only good for our students, but great for our community,” stated Janeczak. “Small businesses impact a major part of our economy, and we feel it’s important to provide resources so they can thrive and ultimately succeed.”
MCC is also working with the Connecticut Community College system, which has an entrepreneurship task force that provides collaboration on activities and curriculum across the state’s 12 colleges. This past February, MCC- along with three other community colleges in Connecticut- participated in National Entrepreneurship Week, which offered events and created awareness for entrepreneurship education. “The students enrolled in this program are choosing to start businesses instead of working at part-time jobs,” stated Janeczek. “Business ownership is equipping them with the flexibility to continue their education, while gaining pertinent business skills – another win-win situation.”
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Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.
