Give today to help an entrepreneur achieve their dream!

"I've learned over the past year that failure and criticism are some of the most important lessons you can learn in business. If you are looking for what you want to do, this place is for you." Chris Crist, a member of Operation Start Up.

Four years ago, two business faculty members began a rather unusual journey, one that took many twists and turns, ups and downs, not to mention the occasional road block. These two faculty members' passion for their students, their community and for entrepreneurship have helped to improve their local start-up community and the culture of Hillsborough Community College. They believe that entrepreneurship is not about opening businesses, but about a mindset. If you can solve a problem, you are an entrepreneur. They believe the community college's role is to provide the "everyday entrepreneur" with the tools needed to unlock the potential our in the community.

The vision of the two faculty was to determine, first, a need for entrepreneurship education at their institution, then build a student-centered program that not only provides academic theory, but links students directly with the community to help support and grow the students' ideas. After a survey of students overwhelmingly showed that entrepreneurship was a subject of interest, their vision was validated. The program created a pathway that includes two certificates, both an AA and an AS focused on Entrepreneurship, a speaker series event, a one day symposium for Veterans, and entrepreneur of the year celebrations.

After several semesters, it was obvious that students needed a place to "land" after completing the program. Further, non-credit students, Veterans who took part in a grant-funded program to educate Vetrepreneurs, needed more support after completing the training.

Using their own entrepreneurial mindset, the faculty founded Operation Startup--a business actuator serving early-stage entrepreneurs who may have not yet fully developed their business ideas and strategies, or have reached a plateau in their business they are struggling to surmount. While Operation Startup began as a free service for Veterans, it has grown to include the needs of social entrepreneurs and everyday entrepreneurs offering a myriad of programming ranging from social media to finance. What makes Operation Startup special is that it is a place where ideas are welcomed, resources are shared, and collaboration is practiced.

Please donate to help our HCC Operation Startup!

To learn more about Operation Startup please visit http://www.operation-startup.com