The Inaugural Women in Entrepreneurship Symposium Hosted by Brook T. Smith Launchpad

On March 11, 2025, the Brook T. Smith Launchpad at Clemson University hosted its first annual Women in Entrepreneurship Symposium. This event was a groundbreaking opportunity for women entrepreneurs to come together, share their experiences, and empower each other in the field of entrepreneurship. The symposium featured panels, networking opportunities, and guest speakers, all aimed at inspiring and supporting women in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

The day kicked off with a panel featuring student entrepreneurs from Clemson University who have successfully launched businesses while balancing their academic responsibilities. Isabella Bianchini, Saylor Koon, and Ava Gallo shared their insights on the importance of mentorship, resource utilization, and knowing when to outsource in the entrepreneurial journey.

The next panel focused on the advantages of gaining corporate experience before diving into entrepreneurship full-time. Mary Jones, Jade Pruett, and Kimberly Byars discussed how working in a corporate setting can provide valuable skills, networking opportunities, and even serve as a silent investor for future ventures.

The third panel highlighted the concept of lifestyle businesses, where entrepreneurs integrate their personal lives with their ventures. Angela Gardner, Nesha Cornett, Danielle Michel, and Lacey Hennessey shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of finding work-life harmony and staying true to oneself in the entrepreneurial world.

The keynote speaker of the symposium was Kasie Whitener, a successful entrepreneur, author, and professor. She shared her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges she faced and the unexpected opportunities that arose from setbacks. Whitener’s story served as an inspiration to all the attendees, showcasing the resilience and determination required to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Throughout the day, panels focused on finding co-founders, building a supportive network, and securing funding for entrepreneurial ventures. Jessica Lalley, Elena Arecco Bridgmon, Jessica Celia, Melody Morgan Fox, Rozalynn Goodwin, Michelle DiMaio, and Samantha Barnett shared their experiences and insights on these crucial aspects of entrepreneurship.

The symposium concluded with a panel on funding options for entrepreneurs, where panelists discussed various methods such as loans, grants, crowdfunding, and venture capital. The importance of having a solid business plan and tailoring funding strategies to individual entrepreneurial journeys was emphasized by the panelists.

The Brook T. Smith Launchpad, the host of the symposium, serves as the Entrepreneurship Hub of Clemson University. This innovative space provides a wide range of resources, support, and networking opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members interested in entrepreneurship. The Launchpad aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and support individuals and teams in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Overall, the Women in Entrepreneurship Symposium at Clemson University was a resounding success, bringing together aspiring and established women entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. The event highlighted the importance of empowering women in entrepreneurship and provided valuable insights and connections for all attendees. It was a testament to the growing presence and influence of women in the entrepreneurial landscape, paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed.