Presentation on “Entrepreneurial Thinking” and the 1st Annual “Idea Bounce” Highlight Entrepreneurship Week Activity
The Entrepreneurship Institute at Montgomery College will celebrate Entrepreneurship Week (February 26-March 2) with two unique events for the community and students alike. On Wednesday, February 28, Dr. Charles (Chuck) R. B. Stowe, a full professor specializing in entrepreneurship at Sam Houston State University, will give a free presentation on “Entrepreneurial Thinking,” beginning at 7 p.m., and preceded by a reception for all attendees at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Stowe’s presentation will cover three unique aspects of entrepreneurship: starting your own business, innovation within your own organization, and the process of re-careering. His presentation will take place in Building B, Room 102, on the Montgomery College campus (3200 College Park Drive, between Conroe and The Woodlands). Dr. Stowe, who teaches in the department of general business and finance in the College of Business Administration, serves as the Entrepreneurship Institute's director. He also has 15 years experience as a venture capitalist before coming to SHSU, where he initiated courses in entrepreneurship and a minor in entrepreneurship that is open to all majors.
Additionally, following Dr. Stowe’s presentation, Dr. Tom Butler, president of Montgomery College, will announce and introduce the Entrepreneurship Institute’s inaugural advisory board, which will help guide the future direction of the institute. Dr. Butler will also unveil a new lineup of Montgomery College continuing education courses geared for entrepreneurs.
“The advisory board will be a prestigious lineup of talented and entrepreneurial business and community leaders,” said Dr. Butler. “These individuals have incredible talents that will be a great asset to the institute. The new classes that will begin later this spring explore the full breadth of entrepreneurship.”
On the following day, Thursday, March 1, there will be an “Idea Bounce” event for students at Montgomery College who wish to make a two-minute business proposal to a panel of distinguished business leaders in the area. The student whose idea is judged by the panel as most outstanding will receive a $200 scholarship.
“This is a chance for a student to earn $100 per minute…for two minutes,” said Dr. Tom Butler, president of Montgomery College. “Students with clever, innovative concepts, ideas or plans will have the chance to present them to the panel, and also get valuable feedback in return.”
The Idea Bounce will also take place in Building B, Room 102, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Students must register for their presentation spot with James F. Zipperer, professor of accounting at Montgomery College, and executive director of the institute, or by calling (936) 271-6198.
The Entrepreneurship Institute includes an entrepreneurship club (the MC Student Entrepreneurs) at Montgomery College and, soon to follow, a similar club at SHSU. Plans include the development of 'virtual' club meetings available on both MC and SHSU Web sites. Additionally, the institute provides training and professional development opportunities, speaking engagements, and other services.
"The institute serves to connect the college and university in a cooperative effort designed to promote innovation, develop new entrepreneurs, while providing an economic stimulus for our community," said Zipperer. "It will work closely in conjunction with the college's continuing education and workforce education areas."
"Our mission is, first and foremost, to increase the level of entrepreneurship in our region," added Dr. Butler. "By partnering with SHSU, we will be able to offer a wide variety of components to the institute, including both formal and informal learning opportunities, training, mentoring, networking, and much more."
The continuing education classes that will begin in March include “Introduction to Entrepreneurship,” “Business Plan Development,” and “Finance for Small Business,” with more offerings planned later in the year. For more information about these courses, and to register, call (936) 273-7446.
For more information about Montgomery College, visit montgomery.lonestar.edu, or call (936) 273-7000. Montgomery College is located at 3200 College Park Drive, approximately one-quarter mile west of I-45 between Conroe and The Woodlands.
NHMCCD, among the largest and fastest growing community colleges in Texas, comprise, Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College, North Harris College, Tomball College, six satellite centers, and The University Center.