I’ve sat in on the class a few times over the past couple weeks, and I immediately noticed the enthusiasm Robert brings to the program. As the founder of BE Your Start, which has been delivering training, incubator services, custom workshops, and other entrepreneurial programming to startups and growing businesses since 2005, and a professor of management, marketing, hospitality, and entrepreneurship as several colleges, it’s clear that Robert knows what he’s talking about.
When asked to imagine an entrepreneur, many people think of tech giants like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk – larger than life figures and companies. It’s hard to imagine ourselves as entrepreneurs if that’s the definition, and its easy to assume you need to be born with some special ability to achieve that level of success. This class challenges those assumptions.
Being an entrepreneur does require a certain mindset. Those that succeed sign a life-long learning contract to adapt and persevere. Entrepreneurs strive to better themselves and their businesses by identifying problems quickly developing strategies to solve the problem. (And they don’t do it alone!) The focus of Startup 802 has been just that: developing entrepreneurial mindsets.
This cohort of participants are learning to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and the elements required to launch and grow a successful small business or start-up. Over 8 weeks, participants have worked to build personal skills and traits that enhance entrepreneurial success. Traits including, but not limited to, creativity, curiosity, systems thinking, partnership, and collaboration. You can find more information about Startup 802 program HERE.
This semester’s showcase is tonight! Stop by CCV tonight between 6:15 and 7:45pm to meet the startups and learn about their progress. The format of the event is similar to a trade show or “poster session”. Stop by anytime to walk around and chat with 8-10 startups. Participants include a custom door company, a safety device for runners, an allergy-sensitive food company, entertainment venues, a gym/smoothie bar concept, Upstate Balloon Company, a nonprofit benefiting women’s education in impoverished countries, and more. More details about the showcase can be found on the Startup 802 Startup, Small Business, and Idea Showcase Eventbrite.
– Joe Braim, Media & Outreach Intern