Campus invited to Global Entrepreneurship Week activities
Blake Norman has the “trep” (entrepreneurial) mindset.
Having launched his own business – an outdoor gear and apparel store – at age 23 while in grad school, Norman understands the ingenuity and energy required to be an entrepreneur and a student.
Now a business consultant at UALR’s Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Norman will share his first-hand experiences as a student entrepreneur during a free Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Nov. 18. The event is part of ASBTDC’s Global Entrepreneurship Week activities planned for Nov. 16-20.
Norman and other speakers from ASBTDC will present lunch-hour talks at noon Tuesday through Friday in Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development Room 251. Lunch will be provided at no charge for the first 25 attendees. UALR students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate.
The full slate of Lunch & Learns:
Tuesday, Nov. 17
“The Social Entrepreneur”
Whitney Horton
Social entrepreneurs care about creating and sustaining solutions for society’s problems. Learn more about what social entrepreneurship means for your business idea, debunk some myths and discuss business planning for this unique type of business.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
“My Student Startup Story”
Blake Norman
Norman will lead a discussion of what the startup landscape looks like for today’s college student. Hear his first-hand experiences about creating a startup and balancing work and life.
Thursday, Nov. 19
“Commercializing Your Research”
Rebecca Norman
Does your research have commercial potential? This talk will share best practices for engaging potential customers and investors and address how to effectively identify your addressable market and explore funding options.
Friday, Nov. 20
“Market Research Tips and Techniques”
Nancy Knighten
Market research is a crucial tool in business. Learn tips and techniques to help you strengthen your research skills and teach you about the wealth of free, relevant information available. Don’t let a lack of knowledge hinder the success of your startup idea.
Launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week
Now in its sixth year, Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. Events will take place in more than 150 countries.
ASBTDC will host a kickoff event at noon Monday in the Donaghey Student Center. Chancellor Joel Anderson will officially open the week with a proclamation and remarks. UALR grad, ASBTDC client and local entrepreneur RJ Martino will speak briefly, and staff from the ASBTDC will be on hand to answer questions about starting a business and being an entrepreneur.
Throughout the week, ASBTDC staffers will fan out across campus, setting up pop-up information stations in different academic buildings each day. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by to discuss entrepreneurship and learn more about ASBTDC’s free services for entrepreneurs. See the schedule at www.asbtdc.org/gew-2015.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education, the ASBTDC assists entrepreneurs at every stage of business development and growth. Core services include consulting, training and research.