On Friday, August 5, 2016, representatives from the Community College of Aurora (CO) met in Westminster with local representatives to discuss best practices in supporting and mentoring local small businesses. The meeting was hosted and coordinated by MILLER Resources for Entrepreneurs, a service of Carroll Community College and the County’s resource for small business start-up and development.

Neil J. Pollard, lead entrepreneurship faculty member in the Business Department, and Business Department Chair Heather McMichael discussed their interest in developing an entrepreneurship program at the Community College of Aurora. They chose to visit Maryland because the state has a concentration of such programs, including small business development initiatives in Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. The visitors also met with MILLER partners including Mike McMullin, president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and Jason Stambaugh of Westminster’s MAGIC, Inc.

“Mr. Pollard and Ms. McMichael found the cooperation among MILLER, its partners and local businesses to stand out as unique among similar programs they have encountered around the region,” said Vice President of Continuing Education and Training Karen Merkle. “Their visit to Carroll County is a strong testament to the high-caliber services which MILLER offers.”

“Our visit to Westminster was truly inspirational in terms of sharing our plans, learning about MILLER experiences, and hearing about student success in entrepreneurship,” said Pollard. “The MILLER program is certainly one to which any business development organization can aspire. The Community College of Aurora was fortunate to be exposed to MILLER resources and information. Our consultation meeting will go a long way towards helping us to design our program in Colorado.”

MILLER offers an array of small business services and classes, and has a partnership with Maryland SBDC to help small businesses start, grow and become more profitable. MILLER offers the experience, access to resources, and personalized, ongoing support that small businesses need to succeed.

For more information, call 410-259-7642 or email miller@carrollcc.edu.



Pictured are, L-R, Mike McMullin, Jason Stambaugh, Neil Pollard, Heather McMichael and Doug Howard.

Back to top