Using Educational Resources to Assist Small Business Growth

Abstract

With an outreach mission of community service and support, many metropolitan universities are faced with creating innovative ways to be of assistance. Recognizing the needs of women as entrepreneurs, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga created a new outreach institute. This article outlines the formation of the Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs. Using the talents of business students, faculty, and volunteer consultants, the Institute has assisted over 150 women since its inception in January 1995. The institute is the first outreach program under the school's Center for Business Advancement. The article ends with a discussion of the implementation approach along with other possible alternatives and suggestions for replication at other metropolitan universities.