Our Mission
The Entrepreneurship Advancement Center is committed to enhancing the economic health of the communities we serve by fostering and advancing entrepreneurship interest and success.
Our Vision
Economically vibrant communities built on a foundation of successful entrepreneurial business.
Our History
The Entrepreneurship Advancement Center (EAC) started in 2005 as an entrepreneurship education initiative of Hamilton County Alliance, the local economic development organization. The initiative focused on supporting high school entrepreneurship education through a variety of activities including highly successful business plan competitions. Since January 2007, over 350 students have competed in competitions and over 60 local business professionals have evaluated business plans. Since January 2009, 4 students have launched their businesses.
In January 2010, EAC spun off of HCA as its own 501(c) 3 and expanded its focus to provide education and support to entrepreneurial businesses.
EAC Programs & Activities
The EAC’s programs support entrepreneurship with early education for high school students, as well as providing resources and support to entrepreneurial businesses.
Resource Center
The EAC assists people interested in starting their own businesses. We connect entrepreneurs to the information and services they need to be successful.
High School Business Plan Competition
Students attending school in Hamilton County are invited to develop a business plan and submit it to the competition. Competitions are held annually in January and May. These highly successful competitions have involved more than 350 local students, over 60 entrepreneurs and business professionals, and have created 4 student-run businesses since 2009, paving the way for the next generation of Hamilton County entrepreneurs.
Community Business Plan Competition
New in 2010! This competition is open to individuals or partners interested in starting a business, as well as to existing businesses. All entries will receive detailed feedback on their business plan. Finalists will be invited to present their plan to a panel made up of local business people and entrepreneurs from a variety of industries. The winner will receive a consulting package to help launch their business. Watch www.goentrepreneurs.org for details.
Quarterly Educational Programs
We offer education programs that support critical aspects of business plan development and business launch. Local entrepreneurs and business experts provide practical, real-world advice to participants.
Quarterly Networking Events
No one can develop a business in a vacuum. That’s why the EAC hosts networking events to support business owners in developing a network to help them grow and sustain their businesses.
