PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CHECK PRESENTATION … Front row, left to right, Robbin Wilcox, Executive Director-Development and NSCC Foundation, and Lisa Becher, NSCC business faculty and Director of Small Business Development Center at NSCC. Back row, left to right, Jennifer Arps, Henry County CIC Director, Ashley Epling, Williams County CIC Director, Tim Copsey, Paulding County CIC Director, Jim Wyse, Fulton County CIC Director, Cara Boehm, Director of Business Development and Marketing Defiance County, Erika Willitzer, Defiance County CIC Director.
ARCHBOLD — Northwest State Community College celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and the power of small business and partnership through the combined efforts of NACCE and economic development offices of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding and Williams counties.
NSCC is hosting its 12th annual Entrepreneurship Forum on Thursday, April 30, from 4-6 p.m. in the Voinovich Auditorium.
This free event is open to all residents of the above-listed participating counties who have a business idea and want help moving it forward.
Access to capital remains one of the greatest barriers facing new business owners — particularly those with limited financial resources or restricted cash flow.
Seed funding can help entrepreneurs purchase equipment, strengthen marketing and sales efforts, and expand their customer base.
The 2026 Entrepreneurship Forum provides budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of experts from the region and to network with those experts — both very valuable experiences. The panel will be comprised of economic development representatives from each of the five counties.
A “People’s Choice” award of $250 will be sponsored by WesBanco, and another $250 tech-based award will be sponsored by Mercy Health Toledo’s Innovation Program.
The competition is supported by a $10,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program, along with $2,000 from each participating county’s economic development office, to be allocated at their discretion.
Together, these funds will provide critical startup capital to help offset early operating expenses and accelerate business growth.
“The NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur team is thrilled to continue our partnership with Northwest State Community College,” said Lydia Perez-Kavanagh, project coordinator for NACCE.
“We have enjoyed watching the momentum and success Northwest State has built through the Everyday Entrepreneur program, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
“We are especially grateful to Lisa Becher, whose leadership, dedication, and tireless effort continue to make the Everyday Entrepreneur program a powerful force for student and community impact at Northwest State.
HOW TO REGISTER
People can register for the Entrepreneurship Forum by emailing Lisa Becher at LBecher@NorthwestState.edu or NWOhioSBDC@gmail.com.
Registration is required for everyone and is free of charge. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. “Free consultation services will be provided by the Small Business Development Center,” Becher said.
Of note, a presentation template is required and is available by contacting Lisa Becher at the email addresses above.