Built at GCC: A Student’s Path to Entrepreneurship
Current Gogebic Community College (GCC) student, Gracie Huotari, is turning her education into real-world impact thanks in part to Michigan’s state-approved CTE articulation agreements and the hands-on business training offered at GCC.
Through the Michigan Career and Technical Education (CTE) state- approved articulation agreement, Gracie was able to apply previously earned articulated credits toward BUS 101- Introduction to Business at GCC. Those credits played a key role in helping her efficiently complete the requirements for GCC’s General Business Certificate, accelerating her academic progress while building a strong foundation in business principles.
Now on track to graduate in May 2026 with an Associate of Applied Business degree,
she is already putting her education to work in the local community. In July of 2025,
she opened GG’s Gifts and Boutique in Ironwood, Michigan, a 
new small business offering a curated selection of gifts, boutique items, and locally
inspired products.
“I learned about the articulated credits at college-hosted event, and it allowed me to move forward more quickly and focus on applying what I was learning directly to my business.”
Courses in accounting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship have provided practical skills she uses daily as a business owner such as managing inventory and finances to promoting her store and engaging with customers. Faculty support and GCC’s career-focused approach have helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Her success highlights the value of Michigan’s CTE articulation pathways, which are designed to reduce duplication of coursework, save students time and money, and create seamless transitions from high school or technical training into college programs.
As she prepares for graduation in 2026, her journey reflects Gogebic Community College’s mission to empower students with relevant, workforce-aligned education, while strengthening the communities they serve.
GG’s Gifts and Boutique now stands as both a personal achievement and a testament to what’s possible when education, opportunity, and entrepreneurship come together in the Northwoods.
For more information or how to get started at GCC, contact our Admissions office at 906-307-1207 or email at admissions@gogebic.edu.
Visit GG's Gifts and Boutique
