Omaha’s Metro Community College launches Business Development Center

A new resource hub for small business owners is now open in north downtown Omaha. Metropolitan Community College launched the Business Development Center to support entrepreneurs at all stages. MCC is planting new roots in the heart of Millwork Commons with a big goal in mind, helping small businesses not just launch, but thrive.”99.1% of the businesses in Nebraska are small businesses. 45 to 48% of the individuals that are employed in the state of Nebraska are employed by small businesses,” said Marla Ashe, executive director.That vision led to the creation of the Business Development Center at MCC at The Ashton, a space offering free 1-on-1 business consulting, affordable classes, networking events, and expert-led workshops.”And so we’re just like, okay, if we’re going to be workforce development, then we need to ensure that we provide a very impactful workforce skills and tools and tricks and tips to ensure that they’re able to sustain themselves,” Ashe said.It’s all part of MCC’s broader push to meet entrepreneurs where they are and remove the barriers that keep many from getting started.”Small businesses feel like they have to figure it out all on their own, and they need to find a place where they trust. And what I love about being a part of Metropolitan Community College is that we’ve earned that trust,” Ashe said.From short pop-in workshops on topics like QuickBooks and legal basics, to a 10-week FastTrac program that ends with a pitch competition and potential seed funding, MCC’s offerings are designed to fit into real lives.”This is not about going back to school. This is about developing a skill set that will allow you to reach your dreams that you have set for yourselves,” Ashe said.With support from local partners like the Greater Omaha Chamber and Sarpy County, MCC plans to keep expanding, creating a hub for entrepreneurship that’s as dynamic as the community it serves.”To be able to provide support, build their community and allowing them to grow in their industry. So we’re so excited that the community has been so open and welcoming to us,” Ashe said.The next 10-week FastTrac course starts Sept. 10, with both weekday and weekend options available.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

OMAHA, Neb. —

A new resource hub for small business owners is now open in north downtown Omaha.

Metropolitan Community College launched the Business Development Center to support entrepreneurs at all stages.

MCC is planting new roots in the heart of Millwork Commons with a big goal in mind, helping small businesses not just launch, but thrive.

“99.1% of the businesses in Nebraska are small businesses. 45 to 48% of the individuals that are employed in the state of Nebraska are employed by small businesses,” said Marla Ashe, executive director.

That vision led to the creation of the Business Development Center at MCC at The Ashton, a space offering free 1-on-1 business consulting, affordable classes, networking events, and expert-led workshops.

“And so we’re just like, okay, if we’re going to be workforce development, then we need to ensure that we provide a very impactful workforce skills and tools and tricks and tips to ensure that they’re able to sustain themselves,” Ashe said.

It’s all part of MCC’s broader push to meet entrepreneurs where they are and remove the barriers that keep many from getting started.

“Small businesses feel like they have to figure it out all on their own, and they need to find a place where they trust. And what I love about being a part of Metropolitan Community College is that we’ve earned that trust,” Ashe said.

From short pop-in workshops on topics like QuickBooks and legal basics, to a 10-week FastTrac program that ends with a pitch competition and potential seed funding, MCC’s offerings are designed to fit into real lives.

“This is not about going back to school. This is about developing a skill set that will allow you to reach your dreams that you have set for yourselves,” Ashe said.

With support from local partners like the Greater Omaha Chamber and Sarpy County, MCC plans to keep expanding, creating a hub for entrepreneurship that’s as dynamic as the community it serves.

“To be able to provide support, build their community and allowing them to grow in their industry. So we’re so excited that the community has been so open and welcoming to us,” Ashe said.

The next 10-week FastTrac course starts Sept. 10, with both weekday and weekend options available.

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