Ice House Entrepreneurship Program Brings Support, Leadership to Manhattan Area Businesses

Manhattan, KS, November 17, 2016 --(PR.com)-- The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an entrepreneurship class that brought support to businesses and community members in the Manhattan and Wamego areas.

The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program is an 8 week course designed to inspire and engage participants in the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset as an essential life skill.

“When I started taking this class, I wanted to further my business education,” said Heather Melton, business owner of Little Love Bugs Learning Center. “I was overwhelmed with how it effected me both personally and professionally — my wealth, brand, personal relationships and how I carry myself. It has made me really evaluate every detail of my business.”

The program draws upon eight fundamental concepts of entrepreneurial thought and process derived from the book, Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.

Each lesson contains video case studies featuring a variety of real-world “unlikely” entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges by embracing the core concepts of an entrepreneurial mindset.

“The class is a sounding board and we help build off of each other,” said Jacob Picolet, associate engineer at Advanced Manufacturing Institute. “Not only are we learning but we’re learning from each other and it has made us a close group of people. I never would have met most of these people and now it’s sad that it’s coming to an end.”

The program also provides for experiential learning through the process of identifying problems, finding solutions, and making connections beyond the classroom.

“I think the class provides concentrated time for thinking about what you need to do in order to run your own business,” said Darin Miller, owner of Ironclad Coworking and Events. “It’s a reminder to ask yourself, ‘what is holding you back?’ This course helps you challenge yourself to make decisions.”

“At the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, we are dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit and culture that is developing in this county because of the growth in population and migration into the county of young, educated people” said Jack Allston, PCEDC executive director.

If you are interested in taking the next session of the class, email jessica@ecodevo.com or call 785-456-9776 to reserve your seat.