PITTSFORD, N.Y. — St. John Fisher University says it’s offering a new minor in entrepreneurship and innovation that can help students build the business skills and knowledge to launch a startup venture. The minor is open to students of all majors. The course work involved seeks to help develop an understanding of entrepreneurship principles; small-business […]
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — St. John Fisher University says it’s offering a new minor in entrepreneurship and innovation that can help students build the business skills and knowledge to launch a startup venture.
The minor is open to students of all majors. The course work involved seeks to help develop an understanding of entrepreneurship principles; small-business management; and the skills necessary to be “launch ready,” or knowing how to create and sustain a startup while dealing with the financial requirements involved.
“Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation and develop an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ by engaging in hands-on, real-world experiences that will help them learn how to evaluate opportunities, develop business plans, and launch startups,” Chantz Miles, the Rebecca Pelino ‘86 Entrepreneur-in-Residence and a visiting assistant professor in the School of Business, said in St. John Fisher’s announcement. “The minor encourages students to become leaders and problem-solvers who can adapt to a rapidly changing business environment and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the global economy.”
The entrepreneurship and innovation minor includes 18 credits. They include courses that explore innovation and product development; entrepreneurial finance and funding; and family business dynamics.
Additionally, students in the minor can participate in the Entrepreneurship Club and business-pitch competitions; engage in networking opportunities with alumni entrepreneurs; and complete projects with local businesses, Miles said.
The School of Business also hosts an Entrepreneurship Week that includes workshops about being an entrepreneur; panels featuring local and national entrepreneurs; and a FishTank competition where budding entrepreneurs can share their business idea for the chance to win start-up funding, St. John Fisher said.
