HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Hagerstown Community College Foundation has received a $5,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program, Level One: Educate. The one-year grant will support entrepreneurship education and student innovation through HCC’s David W. Fletcher Incubator + Labs.
Through the grant, HCC will provide entrepreneurship programming through credit, non-credit, or bootcamp-style learning opportunities and will host a student pitch competition. The initiative is designed to help students strengthen entrepreneurial skills, develop business ideas, and gain experience presenting their concepts in a supportive, real-world setting. The grant period will continue through June 2027.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring this opportunity to our students,” said Maureen Kolb, business and culinary incubator director. “Entrepreneurship is about empowering individuals to see possibilities and act on them, and this program provides a powerful platform for students to explore their ideas, build skills, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. Through this hands-on learning and pitch competition experience, we are helping students develop ideas with the potential to contribute to the economic vitality of our community.”
NACCE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education and fostering economic vitality through partnerships with community colleges, technical colleges, universities, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners. Its Everyday Entrepreneur Program supports community colleges by providing resources, curriculum, and funding to help students develop entrepreneurial ideas and pursue business opportunities.
The David W. Fletcher Incubator + Labs serves as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development at Hagerstown Community College. Through programming, mentorship, and access to resources, the incubator supports emerging entrepreneurs and strengthens connections between HCC and the regional business community.
