Young Harris College and City of Hiawassee Announce Collaboration Program

Lily Ponitz

Guest Writer

Young Harris College and the City of Hiawassee announced a collaboration designed to provide YHC students and area entrepreneurs new opportunities and resources via the Paris Business Center.

The Paris Business Center, located in Downtown Hiawassee, offers a hub for small business entrepreneurs in North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Southeastern Tennessee. The PBC provides business development programs such as coaching, workshops, and networking events to help startups and growing companies succeed. The PBC facility offers two suites on Main Street called “incubators,” which are launch pads for emerging businesses where they have space, resources, and guidance to take their first step with confidence. The remainder of the revitalized historic building will serve as the heart of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings, co-working, and events.

“Young Harris focuses on preparing students for professional careers,” Dr. John Wells, President, Young Harris College said. “This collaboration with the Paris Business Center creates unique work experiences and internship opportunities for our students.”

This partnership is just one example of YHC’s commitment to the health of the region and the success of its students. The College is launching Professional Readiness and Experiential Programs at YHC. PREP will help students transition after graduation into the world of work. Students will gain attributes like self-discipline, adaptability, and resilience. PREP will also focus on financial literacy, leadership, ethics, and help increase students’ employment competitiveness and selection rates. PREP at Young Harris College gives students a competitive edge, to thrive in the path they choose.

“Young Harris strives to provide students a real world and practical education,” Dr. Matthew Osborn, YHC School of Business and Public Policy, said. This collaboration with the City of Hiawassee is another example of delivering on our mission.”

As a hub for small business activity in this region, the Paris Business Center reaches a large and growing number of small business entrepreneurs.

“We believe that this region possesses tremendous potential to succeed economically, and that success will come when local entrepreneurs have the support they need,” said Lily Ponitz, Economic Development Director, City of Hiawassee. “Providing resources to entrepreneurs, like smart and eager college students, can significantly accelerate their business growth.”

“I am so excited and completely confident our Paris Business Center clients,” said Jinelle Wagner, Program Coordinator, “Young Harris College students, and this economic region will all benefit from this collaboration.”