From spearheading life-changing public health programs to driving innovation in technology and beyond, entrepreneurs play a vital role in supporting our society. Each November, National Entrepreneurship Month celebrates and recognizes these contributions—the type of entrepreneurial endeavors and innovative ideas that take seed year round at Case Western Reserve University.
In addition to taking courses such as those offered at Weatherhead School of Management, people who work and study at Case Western Reserve can see the university’s contributions to entrepreneurship across various industries firsthand. Here, you can learn about efforts such as those by alumni who double as Black business owners, students who launched a startup company aimed at cleaner water, faculty members revolutionizing road safety and the university’s launch of five start-up companies per year.
Are you considering starting your own business but don’t know where to start? The Daily’s got you covered. We recently spoke with Michael Goldberg, associate professor of design and innovation at Weatherhead and executive director of the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, who gave tips on pursuing entrepreneurship at CWRU.
Whether you’re a budding innovator, aspiring business mogul or just curious about entrepreneurship, read on to hear Goldberg’s thoughts.
1. Explore campus resources.
At the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, there are numerous resources at your disposal to help increase your knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship—from the CWRU Entrepreneurship Speaker Series and Skills Labs programming to faculty and student fellowships. On campus, you can also take advantage of mentorship programs, funding and other resources by engaging with the CWRU Entrepreneurship team, Sears think[box] and CWRU LaunchNet.
2. Participate in entrepreneurship-related events.
Get exposed to new ideas, trends and insights from successful entrepreneurs by attending workshops, seminars, guest lectures and other events hosted throughout the year. Or, participate in competitions such as the Morgenthaler-Pavey Startup Competition (MPSC), a networking event where students and alumni pitch their projects for a chance to win funding. MPSC, which will take place on April 3, 2024, has four tracks: venture, idea, social impact and research.
3. Practice your business pitch.
Whether you’re a small business owner or have an abstract idea, practicing your business pitch can help boost your confidence, allowing for a smoother and more engaging presentation. Practicing with peers, mentors and advisors also gives you a chance to receive constructive feedback, which can help you identify improvement opportunities and refine your pitch(or business concept) if needed.