You are here: Home / HCC International Student Chamber of Commerce

HCC International Student Chamber of Commerce

The HCC International Student Chamber of Commerce was developed in 2009 through the HCC Chancellor’s Innovation Grant program. The purpose of the organization is to support the entrepreneurial efforts of HCC students, (and staff, and faculty) through ongoing programming related to starting and developing entrepreneurial enterprises and to foster business through global interface. Originally, the program was envisioned as a catalyst for the creation of small businesses and a springboard for the creation of jobs so that HCC students could, in essence, design and develop their own jobs regardless of current job market conditions.

The scope of the organization has increased to include other components. A student organization has been developed which would allow for some business activities to be developed and supported by student officers and members. An entrepreneurship center is being developed which will eventually lead to students having resource options for seed money funding for entrepreneurial enterprises.

Key Components of the International Student Chamber of Commerce

Student Outreach

  • Provides programming to students who are working in a family business, who own their own business or who plan to open a business
  • Provides resources through conferences held in Spring or Fall as well as onsite at HCC in the ISCC office
  • Provides opportunities for students to learn about business from a global perspective through partnerships with businesses, chambers of commerce, consulates, and other resources

Student Organization

  • Provides leadership opportunities for students
  • Provides opportunities for student – centered activities related to entrepreneurship
  • Provides service learning opportunities

Entrepreneurship Center (in development)

  • Provides resources for seed money funding for entrepreneurial businesses
  • Provides for directed partnering for networking for entrepreneurs
  • Provides  opportunities for economic development endeavors

Why Focus on Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is what drives the U.S. economy. A large majority of jobs are created by entrepreneurs who start a company or a venture and grow the operation until they are able to supply themselves with ongoing employment, and other people as well. Supporting and developing entrepreneurship through education and support helps to provide for constant growth in the economy and shapes the future for prosperity. Individuals who start businesses, and grow them successfully, do not have to worry about staying employed. Entrepreneurs create their own employment and, in many cases, their own wealth. Entrepreneurship requires a higher standard of professionalism and requires individuals to have greater self- discipline, imagination, innovation, global perspective, and energy than other occupations. Developing these characteristics in students is a primary objective for HCC.

Your Future as an Entrepreneur

  • Create your own future.
  • Create your own lifetime employment.
  • Meet your financial goals.
  • Enjoy maximum freedom.
  • Foster your innovative nature.
  • Develop a great professional network.
  • Do what you enjoy.
  • Earn a good living.

Outreach Programming

  • One network meeting per month
  • One general meeting per month
  • One conference per long semester
  • One trade mission per year
  • Ongoing special events
  • Ongoing resource development

Contacts

Linda Koffel, Dean of Instruction
713.718.6003

Earl Smith, Division Chair
713.718.5297

Warner Henson, Professor of Business
713.718.6295

Velva Tyson, Professor of Business Technology
713.718.6491