June 28, 2017
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 28, 2017) – Tallahassee Community College and First Commerce Credit Union have announced the hiring of a coordinator for the TCC Spark! entrepreneurship initiative.
Rick Paul joined the College in April after a two-year tenure at Pennsylvania State University, where he served as an entrepreneurship instructor in the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. He has held business education positions at several other institutions, including a stint at Florida State University from 2001 to 2004.
“TCC Spark! is about building relationships between Spark! participants and the local business community,” said Paul. “I look forward to the opportunity to make our College’s service area a premier entrepreneurial destination.”
In just over two months at the College, Paul has created several new events, including the Speed Mentoring series and Entrepreneurs’ Forum held at the TCC Center for Innovation in downtown Tallahassee. Both offerings launched successfully in June.
The Center for Innovation will also host the first semester-length TCC Spark! course. Paul will teach the Experienced Entrepreneur Series, a 15-week non-credit course preparing participants to start or enhance their own businesses.
“We are thrilled with the new offerings Rick has brought to the table,” said TCC President Jim Murdaugh. “His immense expertise will be crucial as our College strives to grow the spirit of entrepreneurship in the communities we serve.”
The course begins Thursday, August 24, at 6 p.m., and costs $225 plus the price of the textbook. Interested individuals should first apply to TCC at www.tcc.fl.edu/apply, then visit www.tccspark.com to register.
Course applicants will need to fill out an interest form and provide additional materials for registration approval. TCC students, alumni and community members are encouraged to apply. Applicants can either have a business idea or already be in business.
The TCC Spark! initiative is sponsored by a five-year, $300,000 grant from First Commerce, a full service financial institution with locations throughout North Florida and South Georgia.
“This exciting opportunity would not be possible without the generosity of our friends at First Commerce,” said Murdaugh. “We look forward to an enduring community partnership with them.”
The Starbucks store in the Center for Innovation is open until 7 p.m. on evenings when events or classes are taking place. Participants may park in the Kleman Plaza garage and may have their parking validated.
The TCC Center for Innovation is located at 300 West Pensacola Street.
For information, contact Rick Paul at (850) 201-9438 or paulric@tcc.fl.edu.
