Grays Harbor College announced the launch of the Entrepreneur Academy, a hands-on, experiential learning program designed to prepare students for entrepreneurship by engaging them in the real-world operation and growth of vetted businesses. The program will launch in September, offering a new pathway for students to learn differently while building economic opportunity locally.
The Entrepreneur Academy is delivered in partnership with Foundry, an organization that works with colleges to identify, research, and vet real business opportunities for students to develop and operate as part of the learning experience. This model addresses a significant challenge in entrepreneurship education: the low long-term success rate of traditional business incubators. National data shows that fewer than half of new businesses survive beyond five years, often due to gaps in preparation, mentorship, and market validation.
Foundry’s approach reduces that risk by bringing forward carefully vetted business opportunities and surrounding students with experienced entrepreneurs and industry partners—allowing students to focus on execution, growth, and sustained impact rather than starting from scratch.
“Entrepreneurship is often taught theoretically, but rarely experienced at this level,” said Aaron Coby, Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Dual Enrollment at Grays Harbor College. “The Entrepreneur Academy gives our students a chance to learn by doing—working on real businesses, solving real problems, and building skills they can apply immediately. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to learn differently and to build opportunity locally.”
The Entrepreneur Academy has a proven track record regionally. South Puget Sound Community College operates a similar program through its Community and Continuing Education division, and St. Martin’s University has integrated Foundry into its business capstone experience, demonstrating both the credibility and adaptability of the model.
Thanks to a grant awarded to the Grays Harbor College Foundation, there is no cost to students accepted into the program. To participate, students must be in their second year at GHC. Space is limited, and an application process is required. Students are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Meet Foundry at the GHC Career Fair
GHC students interested in entrepreneurship are invited to meet Foundry leaders and learn more about the Entrepreneur Academy at the GHC Career Fair on May 5, held on the third floor of the tulalW Event Center from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Learn More and Apply
Visit the Entrepreneur Academy webpage to learn more and apply.