This month, Elmhurst College will launch the Elmhurst Entrepreneurs initiative. The aim of the initiative is to build an ecosystem that provides students with the knowledge, resources and mentoring they’ll need to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
All are invited to the kick-off event for this initiative on Wednesday, Feb. 19, when Mark Heintz, a veteran executive entrepreneur who has launched several award-winning businesses, will talk about his experiences during “What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur.” The kick-off event will take place from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the WCPE lounge, on the lower level of the A.C. Buehler Library.
Led by WCPE Executive Director Martin Gahbauer, the Elmhurst Entrepreneurs initiative will offer ongoing resources and opportunities to budding entrepreneurs, including a monthly speaker series, a pitch competition, an entrepreneur-in-residence and a space where students can gather to work on their ideas. The Elmhurst Entrepreneurs initiative is even planning to rename itself, by hosting a naming competition that will be open to the entire Elmhurst College community.
At the kick-off event, attendees also can meet the College’s first entrepreneur-in-residence, Patrick Yanahan ’94, MBA ’10. As president and CEO of USA Strategies, a marketing firm that specializes in the tech industry, Yanahan has deep experience in building successful businesses. With more than a decade of involvement in the WCPE’s award-winning mentoring program, he has shown a special ability to understand students’ needs and provide effective guidance.
The Elmhurst Entrepreneurs initiative is designed to serve students from all majors, not just those related to business. First-generation students and students of color, who may not have had a lot of exposure to entrepreneurship, are especially encouraged to check out this initiative.
The Elmhurst Entrepreneurs initiative is the culmination of efforts by an interdisciplinary committee of faculty, staff, students and community members. The ultimate goal is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit both at Elmhurst College and in the surrounding community. Funded in part with a $30,000 grant from The PNC Financial Services Group, Elmhurst Entrepreneurs will be housed on the lower level of the Buehler Library.