Entrepreneurship in Action in the Midwest: Pitches, Pledges, and Possibilities
2020 and 2021 were marked by disruption, challenge, uncertainty, and entrepreneurial action. NACCE has created tools, templates, and communication platforms to help colleges move forward. College leaders may be new to their posts, opportunities may have presented themselves through the pandemic, and college communities may wish to take the lead on an initiative nationally.
In 38 hours in mid-November, with the support of stellar NACCE team member Erika Burfield, I had the chance to drive 300 miles and to make the following connections:
Relentless Passion + New Leadership
Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI
Longtime NACCE Champion Amy Pietsch, who serves as director of the Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College, and her colleagues saw the opportunity to celebrate incoming FVTC President Christopher Matheny, who publicly committed to the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge (PFEP) during Wisconsin Startup Week at the Timber Rattlers Minor League Baseball Stadium.
"Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of a growing economy and critically important to the Fox Valley region,” Dr. Matheny said. “Since 2005, our Venture Center has helped more than 600 entrepreneurs and small business owners launch or grow their business. Our Innovation Accelerator for Veterans has resulted in more than 40 veteran-owned business startups since it started five years ago.”
The 12 (business) pitches that followed included many innovative everyday businesses such as 3D printed chin rest for more comfortable airline travel, an electronic dog brush that was modeled after technology designed for cattle grooming, and a wait staff app that allowed restaurant and bar owners to connect with and negotiate working arrangements with needed staff.
Photo: From left to right, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce President Becky Bartoszek with FVTC's Amy Pietsch, President Matheny, and Dr. Corbin.
Are you interested in learning more about the STRIVE at NACCE, our Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge, or what's happening next at NACCE? Email info@nacce.com for more information. We hope to see you at a NACCE event soon!