Syracuse University’s ‘Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp’ breeds business skills

Syracuse University’s ‘Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp’ breeds business skills September 11, 2007Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

Now in its fifth year, the successful Syracuse University “Start-Up: Syracuse Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp” helps 60 innovative individuals at a time pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in Central New York.

Registration is now open for six consecutive Saturdays this fall, in which participants will enjoy a rigorous and intensive program that includes visits from six role model entrepreneurs and classes taught by nationally ranked Whitman School of Management faculty. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs develop the skills and perspectives necessary to take their idea or existing venture to the next level.

The 2007 program, which begins Oct. 13, is sponsored by the Michael J. Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

Participants will be trained to develop novel business concepts, create winning business plans and make smart decisions on the critical financial, operational, technical and marketing tactics for victory in a competitive market. Attendees also are given the chance for one-on-one interaction with full-time Whitman School M.B.A. students. “All attendees will be eligible for free consulting from M.B.A. students during the six weeks of the program,” says Michael Morris, the Witting Chair in Entrepreneurship at Whitman. In addition, beyond the regular Saturday morning sessions, extra sessions on specialty topics will be provided on four of the Saturday afternoons.

“Our goal is to support dreamers and doers here at home,” Morris says. “A large number of ventures in the Syracuse community have their roots in the annual Bootcamp.” The result has been an important stimulus to the local economy. The Bootcamp is also affordable for someone in the early stages of entrepreneurship. “A number of local sponsors help keep the price low and affordable for those who have dreams they want to pursue,” says Morris.

“Start-Up” will be held at the Whitman School building, 721 University Ave. Tuition for the program is $600, with a limited number of $200 scholarships available to qualified applicants. Sessions take place from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Registration and scholarship deadlines are Sept. 22, and space is limited. To register, visit http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/bootcamp or contact Lindsay Wickham, events coordinator, at (315) 443-3550 or lwickham@syr.edu.

“Start-Up: Syracuse Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp” is made possible by the support of Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and the Central New York Business Journal. Partners of the program include the Central New York Technology Development Organization and the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.