In the Fall of 2024, students in Middlesex Community College’s entrepreneurship program gained hands-on experience to launch their first businesses. At the MCC Marketplace, students used the knowledge and skills they learned in class to sell handmade goods, services, food, arts, photos and more on both campuses.
“I loved seeing what everyone else came up with for their businesses and that everyone was excited when they made their first sale,” said Christine Lenihan, an MCC business student, of Pepperell. “This program offers a practical approach to business education, equipping me with the real-world skills needed to succeed. The supportive community fosters networking opportunities and mentorship, ensuring I have the guidance to thrive.”
Lenihan credits the success of the program to Stacie Hargis, MCC’s Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator. During the Marketplace – and in her classes – Lenihan has learned skills to help her feel less overwhelmed with the process, such as marketing, finance, operations and management. The combination of hands-on experiences and theoretical knowledge is helping her pursue her goal of owning a holistic health and wellness center.
"This program offers a practical approach to business education, equipping me with the real-world skills needed to succeed. The supportive community fosters networking opportunities and mentorship, ensuring I have the guidance to thrive.” - Christine Lenihan, MCC Student
With a business focused on helping people find peace, relaxation and spiritual growth, Lenihan offers services including Reiki, sound healing, tarot readings, and human design consultations. She believes her business associate degree from Middlesex will help her achieve her dream of opening her own physical space.
“Having worked in both retail and corporate jobs, I decided to take the leap and start my own business,” Lenihan said. “When I was looking at different business programs, [MCC’s] stood out. I didn’t want just a business degree, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. No other school has this kind of program.”
During the semester, the MCC Marketplaces were held twice in both Bedford and Lowell. The participating entrepreneurship students set up tables on Main Street on the Bedford Campus and in the cafeteria on the Lowell Campus. Students, staff and community members visited the tables and had the opportunity to buy products.
In their first semester at the college, Beccy Peterson, of Wilmington, came to Middlesex because of the MassEducate free college initiative. At the MCC Marketplace, Peterson sold products from their clothing brand mixed with third-party goods that specializes in making sensory-friendly products.
“These opportunities allow me to gain experience and test new products and ideas,” Peterson said. “My plan after I graduate is to run my business. My education from MCC will help me by teaching me how to do things that I’m unfamiliar with so my business can flourish.”