Date Posted: October 2, 2026
MCDONOUGH, Ga. – Southern Crescent Technical College joined the City of McDonough, members of the Small Business Advisory Committee, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs for the launch of the McDonough Small Business Training Initiative, a collaborative effort designed to provide practical training, resources, and support for small businesses throughout the community.
Developed through a community-driven process, the initiative was created to better understand the knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities needed to support local businesses. Through collaboration among the City of McDonough, Southern Crescent Technical College, and the Small Business Advisory Committee, the program establishes a framework focused on strengthening business readiness, growth, and participation in the local economy.
“Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to creating opportunities that strengthen both our workforce and our local economy,” said Dr. Irvin T. Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College. “This partnership with the City of McDonough reflects the power of collaboration and community engagement. By providing business owners with access to relevant training, valuable resources, and expert guidance, we are helping build the foundation for long-term business success and economic vitality throughout the region.”
The Small Business Training Framework was developed through the Reach Back Community Blueprint Framework™ and approved by the City of McDonough Small Business Advisory Committee. The framework features training opportunities in key areas including public procurement and municipal contracting, demographic-driven marketing, applied artificial intelligence and digital content creation, financial readiness, business operations and growth, nonprofit development, legal compliance, and collective impact strategies.
The initiative is designed to provide learning through a variety of formats, including workshops, online and asynchronous coursework, case studies, peer learning opportunities, coaching, panels, and one-on-one support.
“Southern Crescent Technical College is proud to partner with the City of McDonough on this Small Business Training Initiative,” said Richard Andrews, Vice President of Economic Development at Southern Crescent Technical College. “Small businesses are a vital part of the local economy, and this pilot gives us an opportunity to provide practical training, resources, and support that can help business owners strengthen their operations and position themselves for growth. What makes this initiative especially valuable is that it was developed around the needs identified by the community, with the goal of creating meaningful opportunities for small businesses to succeed.”
The initiative represents an important step toward a more coordinated approach to small business development in McDonough, bringing together community stakeholders, educational resources, and local expertise to help entrepreneurs thrive. The training framework is scheduled to launch in November 2026 and will serve as a model for supporting sustainable business growth and economic development throughout the region.
About Southern Crescent Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and provides education and workforce development opportunities that support student success, economic growth, and community advancement throughout its service area.