About the EOC
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The United States Small Business Administration indicates that less than 50 percent (42.6 percent) of small businesses survive for more than four years after start-up. However, the U.S. Commerce Department reports that 87 percent of companies that receive formal support and coaching can survive this critical hurdle and continue to contribute to the economy. This stark difference in outcomes serves as the impetus for the EOC.
Taking root from its base at the University of Baltimore, the heart of the center is a bi-directional student services model that is focused on improving business success. In one direction, student entrepreneurs receive coaching, mentoring and support for their entrepreneurial initiatives. In the other case, students who are seeking more traditional career paths are able to practice the skills they learn in the classroom through a student consultancy model by providing technical assistance to new and growing businesses. See what being an entrepreneur means to several successful UB alumni entrepreneurs by clicking here.
Now in its third year of operation, the EOC has continued to grow while keeping the spirit of the entrepreneur at the heart of its myriad activities. The center delivers coaching, counseling, and support to innovative ventures in Baltimore. In addition, it supports a popular and growing series of courses and specializations at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The EOC also produces a number of seminars and workshops that provide practical business advice on subjects such as funding, human resource management, sales and marketing and other key business issues.
In November 2008, the center moved to its new home, a 2,200 square foot space located prominently on the first floor of the William H. Thumel Business Center, home of the Merrick School of Business. This expanded space includes eight high-tech offices for EOC staff as well as several entrepreneurs. In the near future, the EOC will also launch a new space, the Edward Attmand and Mildred Cohen Attman Enterprise Hatchery (a suite of small cubicles designed for early stage ventures) equipped with hardwired computer stations and wireless internet access for laptops or other equipment, a resource library, a workroom for professional business plan preparation, and access to an executive conference room with professional presentation capabilities.
In all its endeavors the EOC seeks to provide courage for the building of ventures that work to Baltimore's innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs. Find out more about our innovative entrepreneur coaching and business consulting programs. For more information on upcoming events, click here.