Changes

== Engaging with Regional and Local Development Efforts ==

Small Business Development Center

*Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. By supporting business growth, sustainability and enhancing the creation of new businesses entities, SBDCs foster local and regional economic development through job creation and retention. As a result of the no cost, extensive, one-on-one, long-term professional business advising, low-cost training, and other specialized services SBDC clients receive, the program remains one of the nation’s largest small business assistance programs in the federal government.

Engaged Mentors and Entrepreneurs in Residence

*Seasoned entrepreneurs and business professionals provide expert advice to students and faculty to explore entrepreneurial career paths and develop viable businesses.  Mentors speak to classes, work alongside venture teams in the Venture Creation class, regularly visit campus, and offer support long after JMU students graduate and move into their professional careers.  A valuable network is emerging to connect students to startup resources and funding, job opportunities, and nationwide networks.

Career Fair

*The JMU Career Fair is a two-day event where many potential employers visit the college and students can interact with them. This happens once a semester and allows the students to get their name out into the business world.

Handshake