Entrepreneurship: Venture Forum involves all

The entrepreneurial spirit is the backbone of American business and industry. With the rapid innovation in science and technology, we have seen explosive growth. The WPI Venture Forum (part of the Collaborative for Entrepreneurship and Innovation under the Department of Management) serves and supports individuals that are seeking to begin or expand their company.

The WPI Venture Forum meets on the third Tuesday of every month in Kinnicutt Hall at 6:00pm. Programs include starting a business, funding your business, going global, marketing, and negotiation. Many service providers (attorneys, accountants, etc.) and investors go to these meetings to find new leads.

The next meeting is the 20th of February and the topic is about finding and retaining talent.

Most people think that entrepreneurship only applies to people that sit in their garage and make this amazing product that changes the globe. Entrepreneurship means to undertake. Many graduates from WPI will be involved as engineers. They are often responsible for technicians under them, a budget, and a deadline. Efficient management of these resources is one of the topics covered by the Venture Forum.

Speakers and presenters are well distinguished. The CEO of Avici Systems, Surya R. Panditi, spoke about starting a business. They are a world class developer of high speed fiber optic routers that rival Cisco. He brought 20 years of industry experience as the Vice President and General Manager of US Robotics.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the WPI Venture Forum sponsors several other activities:

Business Plan Contest - The Forum sponsors an annual contest open to all forum participants and other New England entrepreneurs. To be eligible, business plans must involve technology-based ventures and describe the development of a new product, a new application or process in an existing business, or the start-up of a new business. A panel of entrepreneurs and representatives of professional service and advisory groups judge the plans. The winner receives $10,000 in prizes. More information can be found on the WPI Venture Forum's website.

Business Plan Workshop - Prior to the Business Plan Contest, the Forum runs a workshop to help entrepreneurs develop a winning business plan. Workshop participants may submit their completed plans to the contest.

Newsletters - Venture, the monthly newsletter of the WPI Venture Forum, carries announcements of upcoming programs and events, and tutorials on various aspects of launching and running a business.

Radio Show - Each week, the Forum hosts a radio show focused on entrepreneurial issues. It airs on WTAG, AM580, Saturdays from 5 to 7pm.

Special Events - The Forum hosts special events, such as breakfast meetings featuring individuals of note from New England. Past speakers have included Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment Corporation and Lt. Governor Jane Swift. For more information about the WPI Venture Forum contact: Gina Betti, Operations Manager WPI Venture Forum 508.831.5075 http://www.wpiventureforum.org