New Entrepreneurship Center At Worcester College Marks One Year

WORCESTER, MA — An entrepreneurship center at Quinsigamond Community College is marking its first year with new programs, student ventures and regional pitch competition appearances.

Since opening in fall 2025, the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship has held four workshops, provided more than 60 individual consultations and connected students with mentors and hands-on business experience, according to QCC.

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Nine students competed in the college's first WooTank Qualifying Pitch Competition for funding and a chance to represent QCC at the regional level.

Mallory Callahan, founder of Float Lab Worcester, later received a $1,500 investment at the WooTank Intercollegiate Pitch Competition during Worcester Startup Week. Four other QCC students presented their ventures at WPI Demo Day.

"Through mentorship, experiential learning, strategic partnerships and direct student support, the Auxilium Center has quickly become a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs," center Director Rocky Knight said.

Knight was appointed to lead the center in October 2025. The center was established with funding from the Cliff & Susan Rucker Foundation and support from Auxilium Worcester.

Knight, a known business leader, nonprofit founder and youth education advocate, was awarded a key to the city during a ceremony last month at the college.

"Rocky's energy and commitment can be felt across every corner of Worcester," Mayor Joe Petty said during the ceremony. "Through her educational initiatives and her steadfast support for our small business community, she has continually opened doors for students and aspiring entrepreneurs alike."

See Also: Worcester College Employee Awarded Key To The City

The Esler Family Foundation also awarded the center a $10,000 Inspiring Generosity matching grant. Contributions from Cornerstone Bank, ITServe Alliance, UniBank and the Webster Five Foundation are helping QCC work toward the match.

Donations made through Dec. 31 will support the college's first Entrepreneurship Week, the launch of a business incubator and the next WooTank qualifying competition, QCC said.

More information about the matching grant campaign is available online

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