Inspiring Innovation: The 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit at Miami University
The Miami University community is gearing up for an exciting event that promises to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among students, alumni, faculty, and community members alike. The 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit, scheduled for April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lee and Rosemary Fisher Innovation College@Elm, is set to be a vibrant hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. This event, organized by the Center for Career Exploration and Success, aims to inspire attendees to dream, do, and deliver.
A Platform for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneurship Summit is designed to provide a dynamic space for student startups and innovators to showcase their businesses and share invaluable resources. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, making it an essential gathering for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem. Registration is encouraged by April 22, ensuring that attendees can fully benefit from the event’s offerings.
A Message of Inspiration
Jen Benz, the assistant vice president for Career Exploration and Success, expressed her enthusiasm for the summit, stating, “We’re very excited for this year’s Entrepreneurship Summit. This event is one of the many highlights of our year because it brings together such innovative minds. Miami has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re proud to play a part in inspiring our students to pursue their dreams.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the summit, which aims to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Engaging Keynote and Workshops
The summit will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Candice Matthews Brackeen, the founding partner and CEO of Lightship Capital. As the keynote speaker, Brackeen will share her insights on the importance of dreaming big. With a proven track record of guiding tech startups to secure over $150 million in funding, her experience is invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of the business world.
Following Brackeen’s address, attendees can participate in concurrent workshops led by industry experts. Savon Gibson Sr., known as the “People’s Planner,” will provide insights on creating a strategic financial game plan for entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Amy Vaughan, an award-winning creative director, will delve into effective digital marketing strategies tailored for startups and growing businesses.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a crucial component of the Entrepreneurship Summit. Gibson Sr. encourages participants to “network outside of your box,” emphasizing the importance of making connections across diverse fields. He advises attendees to come prepared with questions and to engage with fellow participants actively. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also opens doors to potential partnerships and opportunities.
Fireside Chat with Innovators
A highlight of the summit will be a fireside chat featuring two Miami alumnae, Kate deJesus and VaLanDria Smith-Lash. DeJesus, head of content and marketing at Lightship Capital, will share her expertise in digital marketing, while Smith-Lash, founder of Coarse Culture and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, will discuss her journey as an entrepreneur. Their stories will inspire attendees to transform their dreams into tangible products and services.
Resource and Vendor Fair
The summit will conclude with a networking session, complemented by a Resource and Vendor Fair showcasing businesses at various stages of development. This fair will provide a platform for vendors to sell products, share resources, or promote job opportunities, further enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Miami University. Interested individuals must register by the April 22 deadline to secure a vendor table.
Conclusion
The 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit at Miami University is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit. With a robust schedule featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees will leave inspired and equipped to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The Center for Career Exploration and Success continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring that Miami University remains a beacon of innovation and creativity.
For more information and to register for the summit, visit the Entrepreneurship Summit page. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow in the vibrant entrepreneurial community at Miami University!
