Breaking into the business world is a daunting task, especially for students who are already balancing coursework and college life. However, a new program organized by Illinois State’s Multicultural Center aims to provide students with the resources and support they need to become confident college entrepreneurs.
The Multicultural Center recently launched the “Tomorrow’s Entrepreneur Institute,” a series of entrepreneurial classes designed to educate students on the fundamentals of running a business. The program, open to 25 students, will consist of 90-minute class sessions starting on February 16 and running every Friday through mid-April. Interested students can apply until February 12.
The institute was co-founded by Lola Tomorrow ’08, a former aide to Michelle Obama, and Dr. Christa Platt ’09, ’17, the director of the Multicultural Center. Partnering with the Multicultural Leadership Program, the African American Circle of Entrepreneurship, and the George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, the institute aims to create a supportive network of alumni and teachers for the upcoming classes. Topics covered will include different types of businesses, funding, branding and marketing, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Each student will also be paired with an entrepreneur mentor to guide them through the process.
Dr. Platt described the program as entrepreneurship from a culturally relevant perspective, utilizing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to help students with big ideas and dreams navigate the path to success. The goal is to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.
To promote the institute, the Multicultural Center hosted events throughout the fall semester where students could learn valuable business tips from alumni who are invested in their success. One such event featured an in-depth interview with Lola Tomorrow, where she shared insights from her career and offered encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs in the audience.
The program was created in response to the underrepresentation of minorities in entrepreneurship. According to the Pew Research Center, businesses majority-owned by Black or African American individuals accounted for only 3% of all U.S. firms in 2020. The Tomorrow’s Entrepreneur Institute aims to address this disparity by providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the business world.
For students like Kennedi Jackson, a graduate student in sports psychology, the program represents an opportunity to receive the help, knowledge, network, and finance needed to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. Jackson aspires to make a difference in the lives of athletes and individuals in the entertainment industry and sees the institute as a stepping stone towards achieving that goal.
Freshman business administration major James Austin Jr. is also excited about the opportunity to participate in the program. Inspired by his family members who are successful entrepreneurs, Austin Jr. is driven by the desire to become a leader and achieve financial freedom through hard work and dedication.
Dr. Platt emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and uplifting community for students enrolled in the program. She hopes that the institute will not only provide students with valuable information and skills but also instill in them a sense of confidence and excitement about their entrepreneurial ventures. By surrounding students with a community that supports and accelerates their entrepreneurial mindset, the Tomorrow’s Entrepreneur Institute aims to leave a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.
