The Menard Family Initiative is excited to announce the upcoming third annual Entrepreneurship Research Conference, set to take place from Wednesday, October 9th to Thursday, October 10th, at Cleary Great Hall. This two-day event promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience for all attendees, featuring a lineup of esteemed speakers, a student business idea showcase, a panel discussion with local entrepreneurs, and academic sessions led by distinguished guests from both on and off campus.
The conference will kick off with two keynote speakers who are experts in the field of entrepreneurship. Dr. Frank Fossen, a Professor of Economics and the Charles N. Mathewson Professor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno, will share his insights and research findings with attendees. Dr. Fossen’s background includes extensive experience in public economics and entrepreneurship, making him a valuable resource for conference participants. Additionally, Dr. Christopher Boudreaux, an associate professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University, will bring his expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation to the conference, offering valuable perspectives and knowledge to all in attendance.
One of the highlights of the conference is the Visionary Ventures student business idea showcase, where students are invited to present their innovative ideas through poster presentations. This session, scheduled for October 9th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, will provide students with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Students can work individually or in groups to develop and present their business ideas, with the chance to win scholarships and prizes for their efforts.
To participate in the Visionary Ventures showcase, students must submit a summary of their idea by Friday, September 27th. Every student whose poster is selected for presentation will receive a $50 scholarship as a token of appreciation for their contribution. In addition to the scholarship, larger prizes will be awarded to the top three rated posters, with the first-place winner receiving a $1,000 scholarship sponsored in part by the Idea Fund.
The poster presentation should address key aspects of the business idea, including an overview of the problem and solution, market opportunity and business model, and next steps for advancing the project. Posters will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including CBA faculty, academic experts on entrepreneurship, and local venture capitalist Garrett Lauderdale. This provides students with a valuable opportunity to receive feedback and recognition for their innovative ideas.
Overall, the Entrepreneurship Research Conference promises to be an enriching and inspiring event for all attendees. With a lineup of esteemed speakers, a student business idea showcase, and opportunities for networking and collaboration, the conference offers a unique platform for students to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations and gain valuable insights from industry experts. For those interested in participating in the Visionary Ventures showcase, the submission deadline is fast approaching, so be sure to submit your idea and be part of this exciting event.
