HENRY COUNTY, VA – Patrick & Henry Community College has been recognized for its creative encouragement of workforce growth and development in the community.
Community Colleges of Appalachia honored P&HCC with the Southeastern Workforce Development Award for its partnership in the MHC Startup and Grow programs at its annual conference.
The community college partners with the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce to challenge business owners to develop and/or enhance a business plan that can be executed to better serve the residents of our community in a variety of ways.
In the seven years the program has operated, 322 graduates have received $571,824 in cash and in-kind support, which has created 271 jobs.
The programs have generated nearly $4.5 million in new capital in our community and graduates have an 87% 2-year success rate compared to the national average of 50% for new businesses to remain open for two years, according to officials.
“We are especially proud that graduates represent our diverse community with nearly half representing minority groups and more than half being female – leading to an increase in female and minority owned businesses in our area as well,” said P&HCC President Dr. Greg Hodges.
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