Entrepreneur Institute

Think Like An Entrepreneur

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Whether you’re a student exploring what’s possible, an entrepreneur building what’s next, a business looking to connect, or a community partner ready to collaborate—there’s a place for you at the St. Charles Community College Entrepreneurial Institute.

 

 

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Entrepreneur Pathways At SCC
Prepare for a career as an entrepreneur or business leader with SCC’s accredited programs.

Join Our EI  Community

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Community Education Programs
Build valuable skills through SCC’s community education programs to support your business ventures and professional goals.

Explore Upcoming Events

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Entrepreneurial Institute Symposium
Explore our upcoming and past symposiums. Discover the ideas, conversations, and connections they brought together.

Become A Partner

 

Contact Information

Sara Zemianek
Entrepreneur Institute Strategic
Lead & Adjunct Faculty
Conoyer Hall (12-CH), Suite 2108
(636) 922-8653
szemianek@stchas.edu

 

Ashlyn Trogdon
Administrative Coordinator
Conoyer Hall (12-CH), Suite 2108
(636) 922-8483
atrogdon@stchas.edu

 

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@scc_entrepreneur
entrepreneur@stchas.edu

 

Entrepreneurial thinking is happening throughout SCC. Wherever people are identifying needs, creating value, solving problems, and turning ideas into opportunities.

Want to see what’s happening next?
Join the SCC Entrepreneurial Institute newsletter and be an insider.
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2026 Entrepreneur Experience

November 12, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
St. Charles Community College

Experience innovation. Make connections. Discover possibilities.

Register For The Experience

Join students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, and community partners for an interactive day that brings entrepreneurship and innovation to life through real-world learning, meaningful connections, and new opportunities.

Become A Sponsor

 

Check back for updates

Past Symposiums

Friday, April 11
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Conoyer Hall Auditorium

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Agenda

8 - 8:25 a.m. Continental Breakfast & Networking
8:25 - 8:30 a.m. 

Welcome

Dr. Barbara Kavalier, SCC President

8:30 - 9 a.m.

Guest Speaker Caleb Hunter

Owner, Extreme Electrical Contractors, LLC

Introduced by Steve Oberg, SCC Department Chair and Associate Professor of Business Administration

Q&A session to follow presentation – time permitting

9 - 9:45 a.m.

Guest Speaker Monica Adams

Host, “The Real Monica Adams Talk Show”

Introduced by Jeri Schultz, Jeri Schultz & Associates and SCC Associate Professor of Business

Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting

9:45 - 10 a.m. Break & Networking / CAPS Group Photo - Lobby
10 - 10:55 a.m.

Panel Discussion

John Mueller, Managing Partner, JEMA

Katie Pesha, President/Founder, KP Consulting Group

Jeri Schultz, Owner, Jeri Schultz & Associates, LLC

Introduced by Shelley Machens, SCC Chief of External Campuses

Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting

10:55 - 11:00 a.m. Razzmatazz - Leo Anglo - Vincent Jewelers
11:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Break & Networking
11:10 - 11:55 a.m.

Guest Speaker Tammi Hilton

Owner, Mellow Mushroom

Introduced by John Wiemann, SCC VP of Operations & Strategic Initiatives

Q&A session to follow presentation - time permitting

11:55 a.m. - Noon

Symposium Closing Remarks

John Wiemann, SCC VP of Operations & Strategic Initiatives

 

Business Casual Attire.

Complimentary headshot photography will be available throughout the event. 

 

Meet the Speakers

Speaker Image 1Tammi Hilton, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate, transitioned from corporate sales to entrepreneurship. She launched Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers in Cottleville in 2019, employing 60-75 people, and founded NoMoGasTax, a tech startup. Balancing business and family, she enjoys travel and outdoor adventures with her two children, embodying a life full of memorable experiences.

Speaker Image 2Jeri Schultz of Jeri Schultz and Associates is a distinguished leader with extensive experience across healthcare, legal, education, and government sectors. Renowned for her leadership consulting, she excels in executive program development, change leadership, and customized solutions. Her commitment to transformative change and strategic insights make her a sought-after expert, driving innovation, growth, and operational excellence in diverse organizations.

Speaker Image 3Katie is the President/Founder of KP Consulting Group, serving Catholic organizations nationwide. She has held key roles at Catholic Leadership Institute, USA TODAY, and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Katie serves on boards, teaches marketing, and holds an MBA and BS. Married for 18 years with four children, she lives in Cottleville, MO.

Speaker Image 4John founded JEMA in 2010 after two decades with HOK, Hardy Holzman Pfieffer Associates, and Arcturis. He is a renowned design talent with award-winning projects and experience leading complex teams. His portfolio spans various sectors, advocating for community building and sustainable design. John also lectures at Washington University's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.

Speaker Image 5Caleb, a lifelong resident of O’Fallon, Missouri, co-founded a business in 2009 to give back to his community. With over 20 years as an electrician, he is deeply involved in local organizations and his church. An Eagle Scout and Boy Scout leader, Caleb values honesty, integrity, and philanthropy. He enjoys family time, hunting, and endurance mountain biking.

Speaker Image 6Monica Adams is an award-winning television and radio host; a transformation consultant, stylist and sought after motivational speaker. After 30 years in the broadcasting industry, she started her own talk show which highlights inspiration, motivation, and positivity.  She recently served as the Morning Anchor on KSDK television, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, and KTVI, where she was the traffic anchor since 2005. Adams started her career reporting on the Blues, Rams, and Cardinals for radio. Monica is married, loves the arts, and supports first responders.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Connecting the Region. Creating Possibilities.

Our Mission
The Entrepreneurial Institute brings innovation to life by inspiring people to think like entrepreneurs through
immersive learning and meaningful connections to
transform ideas that go beyond the classroom.

Our Vision
To be the hub where entrepreneurial thinking is
cultivated, people and ideas are connected, businesses grow, and innovation creates new possibilities for our region.

Students

  • Think like an entrepreneur.

  • Learn through real-world experiences.

  • Connect to people and opportunities.

Business Leaders

  • Share expertise and ideas.

  • Connect with emerging talent.

  • Build partnerships and strengthen the region.

Community Partners

  • Connect and collaborate.

  • Create opportunities together.

  • Celebrate innovation, entrepreneurs, and community impact.

SCC

  • Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking.

  • Bring learning to life.

  • Lead regional innovation and collaboration.

Expert Knowledge: Gain firsthand knowledge from successful entrepreneurs what it takes to succeed in business.

Practical Advice: Learn actionable strategies and practical tips that can be applied to their own entrepreneurial ventures or career plans.

Engaging Content: Benefit from diverse learning experiences beyond traditional classroom.

Professional Connections: Build valuable connections with industry professionals.

Mentorship Opportunities: Potential to establish mentoring relationships with guest speakers for guidance and support.

Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop skills for pitching ideas, strategic planning, and problem-solving.

Confidence Building: Increase confidence in their ability to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and navigate business challenges.

Career Inspiration: Explore different career paths within various industry sectors.

Job Market Insights: Gain insights into industry trends, job market demands, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

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Center For Immersive Learning
Provides hands-on experiences with emerging technologies like VR and AR, helping students explore innovative solutions for business and the workplace.

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Field To Table Institute
Brings agriculture, food, and business together through hands on learning focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

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EXCELerator
Helps students and aspiring entrepreneurs develop ideas, build skills, and turn innovative concepts into practical opportunities.

 
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Regional Workforce Innovation Center
Provides hands-on experiences with emerging technologies like VR and AR, helping students explore innovative solutions for business and the workplace.

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Business
Identifying problems, building solutions, and turning ideas and technical skills into products, services, and businesses.

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Performing Arts
Turning creative talent into marketable experiences, productions, services, and entrepreneurial careers

 

Entrepreneurial Institute Committee

Check back for updates