Business Education

FTCC welcomes new Director of Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Small Business

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago
Ricardo “Rico” Murphy - Photo provided by FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College welcomes Ricardo “Rico” Murphy as Director of the College’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business (CIESB).

Murphy holds a Master of Business Administration from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts in General Music from Fayetteville State University, reflecting his diverse skill set, passion for business and creativity, and continuous personal growth.

Murphy has personal experience with the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. After completing FTCC's auto dealers course, he opened his own used car dealership. He owns an ice cream truck business, Cooler Than Cold, LLC, that began with the vision of focusing on investing in the youth and the community. 

As a small business owner with a diverse portfolio and over a decade of experience, Murphy has hands-on expertise in startups, management, human resources, marketing, grants and funding, profit and loss analysis, and other critical aspects of business operations. Coupled with his customer service skills, ability to build strong relationships and unwavering commitment to the community, he will be an asset for entrepreneurs in Cumberland county who need support in turning their concepts into reality.

The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal included a feature story about FTCC’s CIESB in its recent issue focused on education and entrepreneurship. To read that article click here.

For information about the CIESB, visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/center-innovation-entrepreneurship/

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Buns of glory: Local food truck pros prepare to compete at Haymount Truck Stop's inaugural burger competition on July 19

Cookout season is officially in full swing, and if you’re tired of grilling your own, the Haymount Truck Stop has an exciting option for the whole family! The Truck Stop’s inaugural burger competition is happening on Saturday, July 19.


Editor's note: I’m sailing away

Adiós. Au revoir. Auf Wiedersehen.No, I am not leaving the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, but I am going on a long overdue vacation!Hello dear readers, this is my roundabout way of announcing to the community that starting on July 4, any and


Filling the capital gap: Tulsa Initiative's micro-lending program opens doors for Fayetteville entrepreneurs

In a city where traditional lending channels can overlook aspiring business owners from underserved communities, the Tulsa Initiative is changing the narrative around access to capital. The Fayetteville-based nonprofit has worked to expand its missio