Entrepreneurship Center | West Valley College

About the Entrepreneurship Center

Purpose

To help students build professional and small business skills to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Located in CHE 126, the E-Center is a place where students can get mentorship, network, and attend learning experiences around starting their own business. It is free and open to students of all majors/departments (no class sign up required).

Contact wv.ecenterFREEWEST_VALLEY for more information.

Welcome to Fall Semster 2026!

E-Center Monday Event Series

Join us for Events every Monday that Campus is Open!
3-4 p.m. in CHE 122/124

Other events to be scheduled and announced throughout the semester as well.

Signup for Our Mailing List

Receive bi-monthly emails throughout the semester on upcoming events and opportunities with the E-Center. This is the best way to be informed of upcoming workshops, networking opportunities, and more!

Signup for Updates

Fall 2026 E-Center Events

Minor changes may occur, and events may be added throughout the semester. Keep checking this page for updates!

Event	Date and Time	Location
E-Center Open House The Entrepreneurship Center is hosting an open house for students, staff, faculty, and community members to learn about upcoming Fall programs. Open to all - the E-Center hosts workshops, networking, mentorship and more to help students learn about entrepreneurship and small business skills. In Person Only RSVP here	Monday September 14, 2026 2:30- 4:30 p.m.	CHE 122/124 & CHE 126
Elevator Pitch Workshop & Mixer (led by E-Club) Want to build skills around how to present yourself in networking environments? Learn a quick framework for how to introduce yourself, as either a professional, a business owner, and beyond. Once you have drafted your pitch, we will rotate around the room to practice our pitches with one another, getting feedback, and meeting new connections along the way. In Person Only RSVP Here.	Monday September 21, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Business Partnership Workshop Learn how to identify high-potential business prospects, find the right decision-makers, and get the conversation started. Students will explore AI-powered tools for prospect research and practice cold calling, email, and in-person outreach—with a focus on crafting the right message, handling objections, and turning outreach into a “yes” for a meeting. Hosted by Ricky Lee, Investor, Marketing Consultant, and Ex-Nvidia. In Person and Virtual Options RSVP Here.	Monday September 28, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Business Idea Workshop & Pitch Competition Kick-Off Come learn about the upcoming Fall 2026 Business Pitch Competition and application process, then participate in a short brainstorming workshop on idea generation and refinement for your potential small business. Open to students of all majors and departments. RSVP Here.	Monday October 5, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Roast My LinkedIn (led by E-Club) LinkedIn is a great way to connect with career professionals and past alumni, so having a good profile should be a top priority. Learn how to expand your network by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Students will learn key parts and focus points through both a workshop and also dynamic peer review. Hosted by the Entrepreneurship Club. RSVP Here	Monday October 12, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Social Media, Personal Branding, and Content Creation Workshop (led by E-Club) E-Club Alumni Hannah Shirley will come to give students tips on how to use social media, personal branding, and content creation to promote your professional identity and business. RSVP Here	Monday October 19, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
First Impressions Framework Your first 30 seconds can shape the room's perception of you. Learn how voice and presence influence every interview, pitch, and professional meeting. Dr. Jaclyn Normandie will translate executive coaching into practical tools for students entering the job market. The same somatic and vocal habits that shape how a CEO is perceived in the boardroom can help students show up successfully. RSVP Here	Thursday, October 22, 2026 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Small Business Budgeting and Finance Basics Workshop Show me the money! Learn to plan for future business expenses and the basics for how to set up and manage small business budgets and finances. Those that want to apply for the pitch competition will find this session particularly helpful as they need to submit a financial plan in their application! Facilitated by Elizabeth Luna, Wealth Management advisor, firm owner, and educator. RSVP Here	Monday October 26, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Multi-Chamber Morning Mixer Bringing together local business leaders, educators, and students to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration that strengthen our regional workforce and community. Enjoy a light breakfast while networking in an inclusive, welcoming environment. West Valley students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend to build connections with our local small business community. RSVP Here	Thursday October 29, 2026 8 - 9 a.m.	CHE 122/124
Business Value Proposition Workshop Let’s get back to basics for your business and learn how a clear value proposition drives growth. Learn tips and strategies for cutting through a noisy marketplace and expand your business by getting crystal clear on the value you provide. This workshop will be particularly helpful for those participating in this semester’s Pitch Competition as it will help you get clear on the need and value your business provides. Facilitated by Kristine Austin, Owner of KS Austin Communications. RSVP Here	Monday November 2nd, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
E-Club Led Meeting: Topic TBD Details to Come	Monday November 16th, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Business Feedbak, Pitch Practice, and Mentor Coaching Preparing for the pitch competition or just want to get feedback on your business idea? Come to this interactive session where you can be partnered with other students to deep dive and give feedback. Experienced entrepreneur members will also be available for those preparing for the pitch competition to give 1:1 feedback.	Monday November 23rd, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
Pitch Practice & Feedback Session For those participating in the Pitch Competition, bring those decks for the pitch competition and do a timed run through with a live audience for practice. Other students are highly encouraged to attend to give feedback and help those who are pitching hone their presentation and story. Experienced mentors will also be available to watch and give feedback as well.	Monday November 30th, 2026 3 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124
SAVE THE DATE: Fall 2026 Pitch Competition Do you have a business idea or an early-stage small business that needs funding? Apply for the opportunity to pitch for funding to start or support your small business! Present a pitch for up to a $5,000 grant for your small business. Learn more about the Pitch Competition. Apply to pitch by November 13th - 10 students will be selected to pitch	Thursday, December 3, 2026 1 - 4 p.m.	CHE 122/124

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is the process of starting a business and usually involves; forming the idea for the business, securing funding, and running the ongoing operations of the new organization.

What is the Entrepreneurship Center (E-Center)?

It is a space on campus where students can gather with like-minded students to network, hear from industry guest speakers, and connect with mentors.

What is the mission of the E-Center?

The E-Center is here to help students with their entrepreneurial pursuits and it strives to help students in becoming impactful and resilient entrepreneurs through thought-provoking curricula, inspiring speakers, and supportive mentors.

Is there a minimum number of hours or events I need to participate in?

There is no minimum number of hours or events required. Simply join for any events that are of interest to you. Please check our website or Instagram to see if an advance reservation is needed for specific events.

Do I need to be enrolled in specific classes or majors to participate?

No! All students and majors are welcome.

How can I learn more about the E-Center’s events?

Check us out on:

Web | westvalley.edu/e-center
Instagram | @west_valley_e_center

What are some examples of events the E-Center has held?

Dream It! Make It! Workshop Series (featuring local business owner guest speakers)
Cohort entrepreneurship program
Business plan competitions
Field trips
Student mixers

Download E-Center FAQ flyer.

Book Recommendations

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek
“Smartcuts: How Hackers, Innovators, And Icons Accelerate Success” by Shane Snow
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries

Podcast Recommendations

10-Minute Entrepreneur” with Sean Castrina
“2BOBS” with David C. Baker & Blair Enns

Mia Shafer | Graphic Design Student

Graphic Design student, Mia Shafer, created the Entrepreneurship Center’s new logo. Mia has been at West Valley College since 2022 and is currently working toward a certificate in Graphic Design. She loves seeing her ideas become a part of the final design and has long been interested in art and design. Her first classes at West Valley included beginning drawing and watercolors. Some of the classes she has enjoyed the most are her counseling classes where she gets to learn about all the different career options available that incorporate art.

In terms of her design of this logo, Mia knew she wanted to incorporate the “E” for the Entrepreneurship Center (called the E-Center for short) into the design and ended up making it the base of the lightbulb. The lightbulb concept came to her right away as it has long signified ideas and learning. And she said, “if it was a West Valley program, then it must contain parts of the West Valley logo”. This is why she decided to prominently display the college’s well known oak leaf into the final design. After some initial sketching, Mia used the graphic design program Adobe Illustrator to create the logo that was eventually, and overwhelmingly, selected by a vote of fellow students, staff, and college faculty.

Thank you Mia!

The More You Know

Generally, if you make more than 3 sales in a 12-month period, you are required to register for a California's seller's permit and pay taxes on your taxable sales.

For more information, visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Check out all the online training sessions available from the Small Business Development Center of Northern California. They range from Legal Issues for Small Businesses, Marketing Through Video and Image, and Raising Capital for Small Businesses. Many of these workshops are available for free and are offered in a live, online format.

Podcast Recommendation

Build Where You Are | ESO Ventures

Day	Hours
Mondays	3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Events (workshops, speakers, etc.) in CHE 122/124
Tuesdays	3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Drop-in in-person at CHE 126
Wednesdays	1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Drop-in in-person at CHE 126
Virtual (By request)	Email [email protected]
Closed on all campus holidays.

Welcome to the Entrepreneurship Center