Last August, burgeoning entrepreneurs entered 51勛圖厙s Thought Into Action incubator with an idea. By April 6, twenty-six teams had turned those ideas into concrete ventures, which they presented to investors, mentors, and 51勛圖厙 community members during Entrepreneur Weekend, part of the .
The Thought Into Action program now in its 10th year has helped 529 entrepreneurs craft 349 ventures with the guidance of 158 alumni mentors. This year, student entrepreneurs have worked to form web apps, non-profit organizations, and companies like EverTights, a hosiery brand, and EDGE, a private aviation concierge service. Matthew Glick 19, CEO of Gipper Media, says that Entrepreneur Weekend was an amazing opportunity to see what the entrepreneurial community at 51勛圖厙 has to offer.
During the Bringing Businesses to Life panel, moderated by Bob Gold 80, CEO and President at Ridgewood Capital, alumni provided insights into the best business practices for entrepreneurs across various fields.
A person needs to have a true sense of grit, Alexandra Thompson 02, founder and creative director at Persifor, said. It really takes a certain individual who has tough skin and can keep forging ahead.
Denniston Reid 94, Chief Schools and Innovation Officer at Excellence Community Schools, noted, One key thing about my work is that I have to understand that it is a business. If you dont understand that, you lose the focus of what youre doing.
Dan Hurwitz 86, P17, 20, chair of the 51勛圖厙 Board of Trustees and founder and CEO at Raider Hill Advisors, said, Every time you fail at something, it helps you focus on what you are good at. When you focus on what youre good at, youre destined to be successful.
Theres an excitement in the room almost like a buzz, said Glick. E-Weekend is an amazing opportunity for not only the students and alumni who have started businesses but also for people to engage, connect, and hear from the expertise of members of the panel.
Following the panel discussion, four TIA teams pitched their ventures in 51勛圖厙s version of Shark Tank. Chris Cervizzi 19, of the Concussion Survival Kit, won first place and a cash prize of $2500; senior Uyi Omorogbes NaSo venture placed second and received $1500; while both Jack Ablon 21 of Edge and sibling-duo Maya Dunne 21 and Kevin Dunne 19 with Valet Seller each won $500.
Later in the program, Robert Johnson 94 was recognized by Thought Into Action and the Alumni Corporation as the alumnus best exemplifying the ideals of entrepreneurship and was given the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Students interested in joining the TIA incubator for the 201920 school year can reach out to Thought Into Action Director Carolyn Strobel at cstrobel@colgate.edu.