Developing the Entrepreneurial Mindset, free workshop series for prospective small businesses

Washington-native Dionne McGee will host a four-part series, Developing the Entrepreneurial Mindset, through the Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College starting on October 5. The ability to think like an entrepreneur is the genesis of a small business. McGee is the author of Finding your Roar, an account of the struggles she faced in corporate leadership before her departure. Through her series, McGee will inspire people interested in starting a business to not let doubt and hesitation stand in the way and get started.

“A lot of businesses are at the ideation stage,” said McGee. “How do we get past that point and not overthink it, to start and create something that people are waiting for us to create.”

Having the mindset of an entrepreneur enables participants to develop creativity, critical thinking, effective problem solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills help prepare future business owners for success no matter the path that they choose. Based on research and the eight fundamental concepts of Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur, participants will be well equipped to create opportunities and understand that business is simply being a solution to a problem. The entrepreneur mindset is a way of life.

“What we're really coming to unpack is the entrepreneurial mindset, the shift in the mindset that helps us grow and scale our businesses beyond what we could typically think or imagine,” she said. “We all know that business has to be a solution to a problem. What problem is it that we need to solve as business owners is what we're going to talk about. We're going to talk about some of our resources and opportunities, and the knowledge that has been set aside for entrepreneurship. I'm bringing some of that knowledge with me so I’m super excited about that.”

McGee's four-part series is free. “Part One: Developing Entrepreneurial Attitudes, Behaviors, and Skills” takes place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5 in the Continuing Education Building, Room 828. “Part Two: Identifying Social and Institutional Factors That Encourage or Inhibit Entrepreneurial Behavior” takes place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7 in the Continuing Education Building, Room 828. “Part Three: Identifying, Evaluating, and Validating Opportunities in Ambiguous, Real-World Circumstances” takes place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12 in the Continuing Education Building, Room 828. "Part Four: Identifying and Interacting with Entrepreneurs Who Provide Critical Guidance and Ongoing Support” takes place from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, in the Continuing Education Building, Room 828.

Call 252-940-6375 to register for free or click on the links above.