Summer 2007 - Wayne County Community College

highlightsMark Lang - Provost of the WCCCD Entrepreneurial InstituteEntrepreneurialInstitutethe development of workshops. Some of theworkshop sessions focus on small groups whileother sessions work one-on-one to provide handson guidance. The development workshops are vitalto what the institute provides for an individualwho is starting a business.Opening doors for students who wish to starta business is the number one mission for ProvostMark Lang, WCCCD’s Entrepreneurial Institute.Operating for little more than a year throughworkshops, conferences, business orientations,and outreach programs, for individuals whowish to take the opportunity for power haveparticipated.“The workshops offer encouragement andmotivate individuals to consider entrepreneurship,”said Lang who has observed students who havehesitated due to fear and remain locked in a dreamthat doesn’t get past the dreaming stage. Throughthe workshops held at the institute, students areprovided networking opportunities and referralsto enable them to connect with people who haveexperience in specific types of businesses.Derrick Lillard, manager of the EntrepreneurialInstitute, focuses on day-to-day operations andMark Lang and Derrick Lillard work closelywith Vanessa L. Rucker, micro loan programloan officer of the Center for Empowermentand Economic Development (CEED). CEEDprovides entrepreneurs and business owners withthe administrative, financial, and professionalenrichment support services necessary forbusiness success. Online or classroom trainingis offered to entrepreneurs who have starteda business without a plan, or those who arebeginning the decision-making process. Smallbusiness owners also have the opportunity toapply for micro loans ranging from $5,000 to$35,000 through CEED.BookWorm Club Boosts readingThe Bookworm Club has been delighting the children of Metropolitan Detroitfor more than four years, and it shows no signs of stopping. Founded in 2003by WCCCD Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery and his wife Ola,the pair is doing their part to foster a love of readingamong children. “By getting children to love booksat an early age, they will become very avid readers,Technical guidance at the institute is providedthrough the leadership of Daisy Lopez whoadvises students on business plans, setting upa corporation, a Limited Liability Company(LLC), sole proprietorship, or other avenues. Shecarefully guides students through the conceptionto completion of the plan making sure that alllegalities have been considered.The institute also offers guidance througha core of retired business owners who helpnew business owners who often have limitedresources to market their business. Through theexperience of those who have been successful,students learn ways to put their product in frontof people to ensure success.something that will stay with them for life,” saidMrs. Ivery.During each two-hour session, the children areread a book, learn about new words and enjoydifferent language-based games and activities. Atthe end of each session, children receive a book.Summer 2007 District Dimensions