Business and Entrepreneurship
The P&HCC Foundation oversees operations at the Thomas P. Dalton IDEA (Innovate, Design, Engineer, Accelerate) Center. The center serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on product and technology development.
To learn more, contact Amy Reed, Innovation Manager and Design Specialist, at areed@patrickhenry.edu or 276-656-5461.
Big IDEA Challenge
Hosted by the IDEA Center, this 30-day challenge gives entrepreneurs, individuals, and teams the opportunity to draft and build a prototype of their business, product, or technology into reality for a chance to win a prize package.
Entrepreneurial Workshops
Entrepreneurial workshops are offered to help your business excel. See Course Descriptions listed below. To view and register for current course offerings, visit Patrick & Henry Community College (ph.augusoft.net).
Course Topics Include:
- Advertising on a Budget
- Billing Customers
- Building a Business Website
- Collecting Cash from Credit
- Excel for Business
- Get Paid for What You’re Good At: Turning Skills into Income
- How to Establish Business Credit
- Smartphone Video Advertisement
- Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level
Fabrication Laboratory
The Fabrication Laboratory, located within the IDEA Center, provides unique digital fabrication opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs that are impractical or uneconomical with mass production. The Fab Lab is equipped with an extensive array of tools, including a 3D printer, 3D scanner, laser engraver, vinyl cutter, CNC router, plasma cutter, mini-mill, vacuum former, injection molder, and welder. We provide training sessions tailored for businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as classes for individuals seeking personal enrichment. Additionally, entrepreneurs who successfully complete a training class may choose to become a member of the Fab Lab. Members enjoy exclusive unlimited access to the equipment for a monthly fee.
PUMP (Pull Up Mentor Program)
Free one-on-one and small group mentoring events designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources to support your business journey. Whether you’re a business owner looking to grow, an aspiring entrepreneur with a new idea, or an innovator with a fresh product or service, PUMP offers a chance to discuss your ideas with a member of the RISE Navigator team. The RISE Navigators are knowledgeable about local, regional, and national resources to support your business journey. To learn more, go to sovarise.com/pump.
Small Business Bootcamps
Startup and Grow Martinsville-Henry County are entrepreneurial mentoring programs that are hosted by the IDEA center semi-annually. Startup M-HC is an eight-week program for new entrepreneurs planning to start or who have recently launched a business. This bootcamp introduces, demonstrates, and applies innovation start-up training principles from the inception of an idea through the development of a viable business strategy. Grow M-HC is a four-week program designed for experienced business owners looking to elevate their ventures. The application process, sponsored by Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, is competitive, and participants must adhere to program guidelines.
Personal Enrichment
P&HCC serves the community by offering a variety of special interest classes designed for personal enrichment, skill improvement, or simply for fun. These classes help participants explore leisure opportunities and discover new interests. To view and register for current course offerings, visit Patrick & Henry Community College (ph.augusoft.net).
Course Topics Include:
Virtual Continuing Education
P&HCC serves the community by offering a variety of special interest classes designed for personal enrichment, skill improvement, or simply for fun. These classes help participants explore leisure opportunities and discover new interests.
Education To Go (ed2go), a part of Cengage Learning, offers an array of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet. Ed2go online courses are affordable, fun, fast, convenient, and geared just for you. To learn more, visit: Online Courses from Patrick & Henry Community College (www.ed2go.com/patrickhenry).
Course Descriptions
Entrepreneurial Workshops
Advertising on a Budget. Need help branding your business with advertising and simple graphic designs? In this advertising course, you will learn how to create a basic logo and digital flyers for social media using Canva.
Billing Customers. Are you ready to streamline your billing process and ensure timely payments from your clients? Join us for this interactive and engaging workshop that not only empowers you with essential billing knowledge but also equips you with the tools to elevate your business. Mastering client billing is the key to your success in today’s competitive marketplace! This class is for business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, or anyone interested ensuring efficient billing for better cash flow.
Building a Business Website. In today’s world of business, having a website is a must. Most customers will visit a business website before making a purchase, and having a stunning website will help your business generate more revenue. This course aims to teach you how to create a 2-4-page business website.
Collecting Cash from Credit. Cash has become more obsolete. It appears that businesses are taking less cash and more credit-only payments. If you are losing revenue because you take cash-only payments, let’s talk about taking your business to the next level with a Point-of-Sales system. This course will teach you how to collect your cash from credit.
Excel for Business. In the modern business landscape, Microsoft Excel is an essential tool for professionals across various industries. This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Excel’s business applications. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to use Excel efficiently and effectively to enhance your business tasks.
Get Paid for What You’re Good At: Turning Skills into Income. Many people possess valuable skills but struggle to turn them into a sustainable business. This workshop is designed for individuals who are ready to move from simply having a skill to earning consistent income from it. Participants will learn how to determine whether their skill is best delivered as a service or product, set confident and competitive pricing, and package their offerings in ways that attract the right customers. The session will also highlight common mistakes new business owners make in their first year and outline practical steps to begin operating with the mindset and systems of a true business owner-not just a worker. This workshop is ideal for new entrepreneurs, side hustlers, creatives, tradespeople, and service-based professionals.
How to Establish Business Credit. This hands-on workshop is designed to equip you with the KNOWLEDGE and PRACTICAL STEPS necessary to establish and build a robust business credit profile. With a strong credit foundation, you can secure funding, negotiate better terms with suppliers, and grow your business effectively. Remember, well established business credit is more than just numbers - it’s the key to your success!
Smartphone Video Advertisement. Lights, Camera, Action! Entrepreneurs or professionals looking to grow your brand, join us in this dynamic class to learn how to “Unlock the Power of Smartphone Advertising”! We will explore strategies to craft a video using your cell phone to capture and create a short promotional video that will resonate with your audience. This class is for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone ready to elevate their brand.Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level. Explore ways to increase your brand and business presence in the virtual world and learn more about how to use the tools available to you to increase your customer base through positive social media engagement.
Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level. Explore ways to increase your brand and business presence in the virtual world and learn more about how to use the tools available to you to increase your customer base through positive social media engagement.
Innovation and Design
Beginner’s Guide to Laser Cutting & Engraving. In this introductory class, you will learn to cut, etch, and engrave designs on a variety of materials using the Fab Lab laser cutter. With the help of graphics software like Adobe Illustrator, you can create stunning jewelry, monograms, phone stands, customized gifts, and even business cards! This incredibly precise tool opens up endless possibilities, limited only by your imagination. Topics covered include safety, operations, software, materials, and best practices for project design.
CNC Routed Stars & Stripes. Create a beautiful, custom wooden American flag in this hands‑on CNC routing workshop! Students will learn how to use the CNC router to carve their design into wood, creating a beautifully detailed flag ready for display. After the carving is complete, you’ll add your own personal touch by staining or painting your flag. No experience needed-just bring your creativity, and we’ll provide the rest!
CNC Custom LED Sign. In this hands‑on CNC router class, students will design and carve their own custom LED sign. You’ll learn the basics of CNC routing as you shape your sign from start to finish-then bring it to life with vibrant LED lighting. Whether you choose a name, logo, symbol, or original design, you’ll leave with a glowing, one‑of‑a‑kind piece perfect for your room, office, or as a gift. No experience needed!
FABulous Fridays. Join us in the Fab Lab for a fun, hands-on activity for the entire family. We offer a featured activity each month to allow individuals and families the opportunity to learn fun and creative things you can do in the Fab Lab. No experience or technical knowledge needed.
Introduction to 2D Design. Learn the basics of 2D design in this quick, hands‑on Adobe Illustrator workshop! You’ll explore essential tools for creating clean vector artwork-skills that are perfect for future laser‑cutting and CNC‑routing projects in the Fab Lab. Whether you’re new to design or want a refresher, you’ll leave ready to create your own custom files with confidence.
Introduction to 3D Design. Learn the basics of 3D design in this hands‑on workshop perfect for beginners and makers alike! You’ll explore 3D modeling software and discover how to create shapes, build custom objects, and prepare designs specifically for 3D printing. By the end of class, you’ll understand how to turn your ideas into printable models-and you’ll be ready to start creating your own 3D printing projects with confidence.
Introduction to Vinyl Cutting. Learn about one of the most popular machines in the Fab Lab - the vinyl cutter! Students will learn the software as well as how to cut and prepare the vinyl. In this hands-on class, students will create their customized stickers and t-shirts. Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices.
Learn to Use the ShopBot CNC Router. Discover your creative side while making unique wood designs with the ShopBot CNC Router. During this hands-on course, you will learn the basic steps of CNC production as well as computer design software. Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the ShopBot for their own projects. No prior experience or technical knowledge needed.
Kids Camps
Create a 3D Printed Helmet or Mask - Homeschool Edition. In this fun and creative Fab Lab class, you’ll design and 3D print your very own custom mask or helmet. Go creepy, go cute, go superhero, go sci‑fi-the only limit is your imagination! Grades: 6-8.
Create a 3D Printed Light Box - Homeschool Edition. Turn your favorite photo into a 3D‑printed keepsake! In this hands‑on class, you’ll transform a personal photo into an illuminated light box or a lithophane that comes to life when it glows. Note: Please bring a high‑quality digital image of the photo you’d like to use. Grades: 6-8.
Fab Lab Innovation Camp. Join us for hands‑on fun where creativity meets cool Fab Lab technology. In this exciting camp, you’ll design, build, and personalize amazing projects using laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and more. Create your own custom swag - like a 3D‑printed keychain, a laser‑cut name tag and notebook, personalized stickers, and even a T-shirt you design from scratch. If you love to create, experiment, and make awesome things, this camp is calling your name! Grades 6-8.
Holiday Ornament & Stocking Workshop - Homeschool Edition. Get into the holiday spirit with this hands‑on class! You’ll design and 3D print your own custom ornament as well as create a festive personalized stocking using the vinyl cutter. Grades: 6-8.
Introduction to 3D Printing - Homeschool Edition. Join us for a hands-on introduction to one of today’s most exciting creative technologies-3D printing! In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of 3D design and printing in a fun and easy way. You’ll be amazed at what you can create! Grades: 6-8.
Introduction to Laser Cutting - Homeschool Edition. In this introductory class, homeschool students will learn to use the laser cutter to cut, etch, and engrave designs in a variety of materials using a laser cutter. Students will use graphic software like Adobe Illustrator to create their own customized designs. By the end of the class, students will have a solid foundation of the software, learn to operate the laser cutter, and complete their own cutting and engraving projects.
Minecraft Makers Camp. Join us as we imagine, design, and build amazing worlds in Minecraft! Students will craft unique structures and creatures in the game and then transform their digital creations into real-world objects using Fab Lab equipment. Dive into hands-on experiences with our 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and more to bring your Minecraft masterpieces to life! Grades: 6-8.
Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle Basic Rider Course. This course provides motorcycle operator training in controlled range conditions. Riders learn basic skills of motorcycle operation, including effective braking, cornering, obstacle avoidance, and safe street-riding strategies. Prerequisite: MSF Basic eCourse. Students must present a valid Virginia driver’s license or motorcycle learner’s permit.
MSF Basic eCourse. This five-hour online program is a prerequisite for the hands-on Basic Rider Course. The highly interactive digital content provides riders of all skill levels with the basics of motorcycling. With integrated graphics, photos, and video to illustrate the lessons, the program allows you to control the pace of your learning. Please note this eCourse alone is NOT accepted as a license waiver by any state department of motor vehicles or as a license to ride a motorcycle or as a learner’s permit.
Photography
Digital Photography: Basics and Beyond. Certified Professional Photographer Rick Dawson will show you the basics of digital photography in this fun, hands-on class. Students will learn to harness the full potential of their camera and/or smartphone. In this workshop, students will unlock the array of features that can significantly enhance the quality of their images. They will learn to utilize the grid on both their camera and/or smartphone and maximize the resolution for stunning results.
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