Arthur Gold of Columbia has struck it rich.
Not in monetary terms, but in his attitude about a family business launched last year with the help of the Center for Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence at Howard Community College.
“We?re really, really thrilled about all the resources the college has provided us,” said Gold, owner of Gold Rush Scanning, a business that scans paper documents to CDs. The business recently received its first significant contract, worth about $1,400, with the Arc of Howard County, which provides support to people with developmental disabilities.
Gold Rush Scanning operates out of space at the college?s Instructional Lab Building on Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia.
Gold?s son, David, 30, serves as president and operates the scanners along with students at the college.
Arthur Gold said the family decided to start the business as a way to help David, who has developmental disabilities.
“We?d like to see it support David with a regular salary,” he said.
Betty Noble, the center?s director, said its goal is to focus on people “who want to start something simple.”
“There are a lot of services within the county that focus on high-tech businesses,” said Noble who teaches at the college and operates Noble Solutions, an executive coaching firm in Columbia.
Makneeka Moss, an HCC student who owns Moss Group Marketing and Communications, a public relations and business development firm, said the center “has been a tremendous help with writing my business plan and offering a realistic view of being an entrepreneur.”
The center?s target clients include students and small-business owners whose companies are between one and three years old, as well as minorities, women, people with disabilities and those who consider themselves “fiscally challenged.”
Clients are given an assessment of their business for about $100, which includes defining its purpose, getting financing and finding a location for it.
“There has to be passion there,” Noble said of budding entrepreneurs? plans.
After the assessment is completed, clients receive help growing their businesses from HCC students, classes at the college, and advice from faculty and local business owners. Limited space for the business startups is also available at the center for a rental fee of about $100 per month, said Noble.
“We think this is a great model for starting a business,” Arthur Gold said.
The incubator
» The Center for Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence began in July 2005 and is currently helping to launch six new businesses.
» Call 410-772-4111 or e-mail [email protected]. for more information.
