Higher Education Accreditation Consulting
Renee Pellom knows about the overall investment, dedication, and “chutzpah” it takes to be an entrepreneur. She’s owned a few businesses over the past 30 years while simultaneously maintaining a full-time career in the non-profit space. In recent years, she made the ultimate decision that she’d rather be an employer than an employee.
Today, Renee is the Founder and CEO of Higher Education Accreditation Consulting, which provides accreditation and coaching services to institutions and education professionals. Renee said she chose the education industry because she’s both the daughter of the post Black Civil Rights era who was admonished by her elders to “get a good education,” and a self-proclaimed nerd who felt at home in a school classroom or living inside of a book.
Renee learned about SBA years ago but had never taken advantage of its programs and services with her previous companies. When she started HEAC she decided to research SBA training and mentorship opportunities, and she discovered a multitude of options and initiatives that provided a far broader range of subject matter than she expected. Renee regularly attends SBA in-person events and online training sessions.
She said thanks to SBA training, she applied for the Women-Owned Small Business program and will pursue additional certifications. She also took a workshop that helped her launch her company’s YouTube channel.
“The agency has a wealth of topics, subject matter experts, and industry leaders, Renee said. “Also, through their collaboration with Operation Hope and metro Atlanta libraries, I have had the opportunity to pitch my business during their training activities. Bottom line, the SBA has been such a strong ally for my company and for me.
Renee believes in being a life-long student and credits the SBA as one way to help her learn how to continually improve her small business.
“There will never be a time when I do not need a community to help me do business life better,” she said. “I am grateful that the SBA is here for companies like my own as they provide the type of assistance we need to move forever forward toward improvement, growth, and positive impact in the communities that we serve.”