Rio Salado College has received $20,000 in funding from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and Everyday Entrepreneurship (NACCE), with special thanks to Chip and Stuart Weismiller, to support student entrepreneurs by offering hands-on opportunities to develop and grow their businesses.
Dr. Lily Davidov, Rio’s Faculty Chair for Accounting and Small Business, played a pivotal role in securing the funding.
“The Startup Sprint, Pitch competition, and Business Growth initiatives provide invaluable resources that help students build real skills in marketing, customer acquisition, revenue growth, and service enhancement," Davidov said.
The funding is one of several recent competitive entrepreneurship grant programs that Rio Salado offers students:
- Small Business Pitch Competition (Spring 2024) - Five students received funding support from Wells Fargo and NACCE to develop their business ideas
- StartUp Sprint & Business Growth Initiative (Summer 2024) - 10 students used funding from Wells Fargo to expand their ventures and refine services
- Fall 2024 Programs - Five students received grants to optimize inventory and services
For spring and fall 2025, the college is exploring a new program that will guide students in launching prototypes, with virtual resources extending the opportunity to out-of-state students.
“We help students tackle today’s real-world business challenges by offering entrepreneurial programs with hands-on mentorship and funding opportunities, providing the essential support and skills,” said Yolanda A. Facio, instructional services coordinator and a key mentor to students.
Many of these programs are open to credential-seeking students regardless of major, not just those seeking an associate in business degree or entrepreneurial studies certificate.
"With ongoing enhancements and a commitment to hands-on learning, these programs offer students real-time opportunities to bridge theory and practice, turning their dreams into reality faster," Davidov said.
In addition to these structured programs, funding from Blackstone LaunchPad entrepreneurialism and career readiness is enhancing entrepreneurship engagement through initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Week event and an entrepreneurship-focused book club.
Partnerships with local institutions and financial partners, such as Wells Fargo, are also in the works to broaden regional engagement. Through these programs, Rio Salado College is reinforcing its commitment to fostering real-world success and professional growth among student entrepreneurs across Arizona and beyond.