New Head of Top Ten Entrepreneur Program > GSA Business

Craig Scharton is taking over the entrepreneurship program at Ten at the Top, often referred to as the Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem.

He succeeds Erin Ouzts, who volunteered for 10 years before officially assuming the position in 2019, according to a Ten at the Top news release. Ouzts will retire from her work at Ten at the Top to focus on other ecosystem needs and family

Craig Scharton will take over the entrepreneurial program at Ten at the Top.  (Photo/Provided)“Supporting entrepreneurship, and especially service providers supporting entrepreneurship in our region, has been a key driver area for Ten at Top since the organization’s inception,” TATT Executive Director Dean Hybl said in the release. She has done a fantastic job raising awareness of the importance of having a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. I would especially like to thank her for all she does to support entrepreneurship in the North.”

“Erin will be difficult to replace, but we are fortunate to have Craig Scharton as a facilitator for the upstate entrepreneur ecosystem. Craig has extensive experience working with businesses and entrepreneurs and is a provider of support to continue TATT building up the upstate Ideal candidates for work with entrepreneurial collective capabilities.”

Shatton, who moved to Upstate in June 2022, has more than 35 years of progressive experience leading diverse teams in nonprofit and public service settings to execute meaningful and innovative projects that improve the lives of local communities, the release said .

“Craig’s well-rounded experience and warm personality make him a perfect fit for this role. The Upstate entrepreneurial ecosystem will benefit from his knowledge and ability to bring people together around complex topics,” Ouzts said in a press release said in.

In Fresno, California, Scharton built an ecosystem of support entrepreneurs and support providers, served as senior director of economic development, president of the California Main Street Coalition, member of the Fresno City Council, restaurateur, and director, the release said. , a member of the Central Valley Water and Energy Technologies Business Incubator, and several positions in the City of Fresno and Downtown Fresno Partnership.

While working with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting Corporation (CMTC), similar to SC MEP, he strengthened CMTC’s relationships with more than 40 partner organizations, achieving over $100 million in additional sales for small and mid-sized manufacturers, according to The press release said.

Scharton taught Urban Entrepreneurship at Fresno State University as an adjunct professor for 14 years and founded Fresno Downtown College, which won the International Downtown Association Award in 2016. Craig has been a guest speaker at several events, including the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) National Conference, the National Foundation for Historic Preservation, the California Workforce Association, and the California Regional Arts Agencies Conference.

“Erin Ouzts has built an incredible framework for entrepreneurs and those who support them. I am honored to build on her work,” Shatton said in the release. I love building community to support our independent businesses, from home based home businesses to inner city retailers to local manufacturers. Every sector plays a role in growing our entrepreneurial ecosystem. “

According to the press release, Scharton will continue the Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem’s mission of increasing the capabilities and capabilities of the ecosystem to help entrepreneurs succeed faster. The quarterly Northern Entrepreneur Ecosystem, Innovation Leaders Alliance and Rural Entrepreneurship Leaders Alliance panels will continue to meet. He will focus on continuing to raise awareness of the diverse entrepreneurial resources available through the StartGrowUpstate.com Resource Navigator and connecting disjointed entrepreneurs to the ecosystem.

Contact Jason at 864-568-7570.



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