By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — The phrase “right place, right time” came into play recently at the Paris Business Center as business students from Young Harris College met with aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners at a kick-off event for the new center in Hiawassee.
“This is the perfect example of what this Business Center is all about,” said Jinelle Wagner, program coordinator for the Paris Business Center. “We can team up business students, who are looking for opportunities to get involved, with new business owners, who are looking for help and resources they need to get started.”
The kick-off invited business students to the center to meet with business owners. The students, looking for internship or work opportunities, were paired up with business owners, typically short on resources and manpower.
“We’re excited to be able to partner with the business center,” said Mark Dotson, vice president of Advancement for YHC. “We have so many talented students who are looking for an opportunity to work with a mentor in the business world or have an internship with a business. And this helps the College to continue to serve its mission as a private institution providing a public good.”
A number of students, representing majors in business analytics, finance & accounting, management, and marketing, met with business owners from Towns County Jan. 10 to establish working relationships for the spring semester. Students will work with the companies this spring, trying to fulfill whatever need the business has, from marketing opportunities to accounting challenges.
“This is a great way for students to get real-world experience in their field of study, while also helping a local business owner who can use the resource,” said Ian Oxman, marketing instructor in the Department of Business and Public Policy. “It’s a perfect marriage between Young Harris College and the new Paris Business Center.”
The Paris Business Center, located in Downtown Hiawassee, offers a hub for small business entrepreneurs in North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Southeastern Tennessee. The PBC provides business development programs and incubators, providing coaching, workshops, and networking events to help startups and growing companies succeed.
This partnership is just one example of YHC’s commitment to the health of the region and the success of its students and the community. The College is launching its Professional Readiness and Experiential Programs in the fall of 2026, designed to help students transition after graduation into the world of professional service.
Students will gain attributes like self-discipline, adaptability, and resilience. PREP will also focus on financial literacy, leadership, ethics, and help increase students’ employment competitiveness and selection rates. PREP at Young Harris College gives students a competitive edge to thrive in the path they choose.
“Young Harris strives to provide students a real-world and practical education,” said Dr. Matthew Osborn, YHC Department of Business and Public Policy. “This collaboration with the City of Hiawassee is another example of delivering on our mission.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
