New entrepreneurs get power from Avista
<p>Lisa Wolfe, Integrated Business & Entrepreneurship Instructor. DAN KOLBET/Avista</p>
Before too long, North Idaho College will be forming its first full class of job creators.
The initial energy for its entrepreneurial enthusiasm comes from Avista Utilities.
The Avista Business Entrepreneurship Network is expanding from five-year anchor Spokane Community College to include NIC, Rogue Community College in Medford, Ore., and Walla Walla Community College-Clarkston. While SCC has been hatching big and not so big business ideas with Avista’s help since 2007, the other three colleges likely will launch their programs in the fall of 2013. But there’s every indication the wait will be worthwhile.
“One of the best strategies for pulling out of the longest, deepest recession of our time is to enable broad-based innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Roger Woodworth, vice president and chief strategy officer for Avista. “That’s why we’re partnering with SCC to extend their unique entrepreneurship program to other colleges throughout the region we serve.” Mike Patrick/North Idaho Business Journal