The Enterprise Center at PSU

Most of us pass the building almost every day, but few people seem to know what its purpose is. Plymouth State University and the Grafton County Economic Development Council (GCEDC) are collaborating on this development.

In a brief interview with the Executive Director of the Enterprise Center, Michael  Tentnowski, vital questions were answered. The main purpose of the building is to conjure up more jobs in the area, as well as build opportunities for entrepreneurship. Although the GCEDC is responsible for the construction and ownership of the building, Plymouth State has all of the necessary programs and services that businesses and the community needs.

The center is meant to provide undergraduate students with opportunities for things such as internships, work study programs, class projects, and independent studies. For graduate students, Small Business Institute projects for graduate students are also available. There are now several PSU Alumni that are employed by companies affiliated with the Enterprise Center.

When Tentnowski was asked what he was most proud of as the Executive Director of the Enterprise Center, he responded on behalf of PSU and the GCEDC, and the amount they have done together in so little time.

"I am proud of the partnership's ability to bring the initiative to fruition, and the fact that the Enterprise Center was completely occupied of available space by the time it was opened last October. I am proud of the 375 businesses and individuals served by nearly fifty seminars and workshops that the Enterprise Center has sponsored throughout the region," Tentnowski said.

When Tentnowski was asked what he sees for the future of our university now that the Enterprise Center is up and running, his response was hopeful and heartfelt.

"The future promises continued opportunities for PSU students, faculty and staff to explore entrepreneurial ventures, participate in business educational programs, and to assist businesses by mentoring, offering seminars, and by consulting," Tentnowski said.

Our university is now able to provide an experiential learning environment for all students. The Enterprise Center is also working on promoting the creation of new businesses, entrepreneurship, and economic development in our region.

If the majority of the undergraduate students on campus take advantage of the opportunities that the Enterprise Center provides, such as internships, work study and independent study programs, the experience that they gain and the people that they meet is sure to help them as they further their education and go on into their careers after college.