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Campus Alert

Diana Ricker Focus First Carroll Community College

Empowering Entrepreneurs in Carroll County

Executive Summary

Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs had a very productive month, driving several key initiatives that supported local entrepreneurship and engaging with Carroll students and the community.

We facilitated the launch of 4 businesses and welcomed 15 new clients from around the county including Westminster, Hampstead, and Finksburg. Miller will host the 2025 Carroll Biz Challenge Kick-Off on February 4 in collaboration with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. This event will guide students and local entrepreneurs through the application process to make their pitch at the Carroll Biz Challenge.

Miller will support each entrepreneur throughout the application process and Biz Challenge.

Supporting student engagement, Miller assisted several credit students in applying for the first-ever Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund (EEVF) Pitch Contest hosted by SBDC and held at the college on November 14.

On December 12, students from Francis Scott Key High School will visit the college to observe Miller’s “Introduction to Business” class. During the class, Miller will present the “Shark Tank Make Believe” workshop, where students will work in teams to create a business and prepare their pitch presentations.

Success Story

Diana Ricker Focus First Carroll Community College

MILLER Case Study: Focus First Academic Coaching LLC

Starting a business is a journey filled with challenges, especially when it involves catering to students with unique learning needs. Diana Ricker, the founder of Focus First Academic Coaching LLC, faced these challenges head-on with the help of Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs.

Read More about MILLER Case Study: Focus First Academic Coaching LLC

Client Testimonial

I had a lot of ideas and a long-term vision that I was really passionate about but got stuck on some of the logistics and making a clear plan to achieve these goals. I didn’t realize how much time and work would have to go into the business side of things to be ready to provide clients with the best care. Miller helped me address these challenges by encouraging me to write a formal business plan and providing me the templates and mentorship to do so. They helped me streamline my thoughts and put them onto paper so that I could create achievable goals with clear timelines. I don’t know what specific challenges may arise in the future, but I am thankful to know I can reach out to Miller with any detail of business for assistance.

Julie Tarlow Owner, Core Confidence Pelvic Health & Wellness

Upcoming Events

1-on-1 Classes & Workshops

Winter Market 2024 at Carroll Community College

Winter Market at Carroll Community College

Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

75 vendor spaces showcase local talent, including 55 for local businesses to sell their merchandise and 20 reserved for College staff and student entrepreneurs.

Explore Winter Market

Francis Scott Key High School Student Observation:  Dec. 12

Carroll Biz Challenge 2025 Kick-Off Event:  Feb. 4

Miller by the Numbers

November

New Clients: 15
New Business Starts: 4

  • Home-Based: 3
  • Shared Retail: 0
  • Retail: 0
  • Non-Profit: 1

Client Meetings: 41
Referrals to SBDC: 5

  • Classes: 2
  • Financing: 3

Workshops & Seminars:

  • Website Development (2)
  • Accounting Fundamentals (Online Ed2go)
  • Effective Business Writing (Online Ed2go)

FY25 Year to Date

New Clients: 75
New Business Starts: 26

  • Home-Based: 8
  • Shared Retail: 12
  • Retail: 5
  • Non-Profit: 1

Client Meetings: 161
Workshops & Seminars: 15

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Investing in Carroll County’s Economic Future

Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs is fostering local economic growth and empowering small businesses.

To explore how the Miller program impacts our community and supports Carroll County’s business ecosystem, or to discuss opportunities to strengthen local entrepreneurship, contact:

Tom Mazerski, Director, Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs
410-386-8393 | tmazerski@carrollcc.edu