Entrepreneurship: Jobs Landed

Almost everyday I go in I do something different. Sometimes, I type up notes. Other days I’ll read articles and write notes on whatever Catherine needs out of it or what she thinks I need to know. Right now it’s more focused on learning than anything else.

On Twitter: @sydnieyates

One of the main components involves the development and regimenting of basic operational procedures within the facility ie: brainstorming, structuring, and then implementing new ways of acquiring, organizing, and re-accessing the varieties of information that pertain to the functionality of NEO. Another is the maintenance of customer relations: ensuring tenants have access to resources, responding to requests, supplying information to potential new tenants, and most importantly, smiling and looking pretty. And then of course there are standard intern responsibilities; I maintain that I can make a cup of Foldger’s coffee that rivals (maybe even surpasses) Starbucks quality.

On Twitter: @Jon_NEOCenter

 I will be serving as a Capital Equity Intern for this coming summer and will assist in administering programs to provide access to capital for businesses across the state.  Some of the current programs include a venture capital fund, small business capital access program, in addition to some new programs that will be implemented this summer that I will be assisting with.  My professional interests include economic redevelopment in the State of Michigan as well as entrepreneurship.  In the past I have worked for a venture capitalist firm (RPM Ventures) in Ann Arbor and have been a small business owner myself and will bring these experiences with with me into the work I will be doing for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

On Twitter: @itsaDJstory

As a Co-Director of the New Economy Division for Leap, Jeff is focused on developing the culture of entrepreneurship in the Lansing Region through programs, space, and events. Programs include business accelerator services, facilitating the Lansing Regional SmartZone, funding mechanisms, as well as supporting regional business incubators. Prior to joining LEAP, Jeff spent the last 4 years as Project Manager for New Economy Initiatives for the City of East Lansing, as well as staff of the Lansing Regional Smartzone.   In these roles, Jeff helped develop the operations and management programs for the Technology Innovation Center and the Hatch student business incubator. 

On Twitter: @jothum

Working as the Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association is probably the best job I could ask for straight out of college.  I have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and produce large scale festivals and events, beautification projects and community enhancements to benefit the revitalization efforts for Old Town Lansing. I work with 1300 volunteers annually, manage 5 committees plus additional festival committees throughout the year, and train 5 interns from Michigan State University on the Michigan Main Street Program. I do everything from plant flowers to producing the annual festival fundraisers. With all of that amazing creative community energy that surrounds me daily from the families that visit our office to the business owners who support OTCA's efforts - I am able to combine my unique ideas with the community to execute our Old Town Lansing community development and economic revitalization program. I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity to make an impact and leave a legacy on the Greater Lansing community I love so much.

On Twitter: @LouiseGradwohl

As CEO of Common Wealth Enterprises (CWE), I promote, establish and partner with socially-minded ventures that are both sustainable and profitable.  I try to tackle today’s social issues — both locally and globally — by redefining how organizations and individuals see their role in community engagement.

I believe it’s possible to establish a new American capitalist culture that places a high value on social commitment and community engagement.  It is my priority to build and promote the growth of sustainable social enterprises by integrating community values and social change with innovative, capitalistic approaches.

On a tactical level, I help start businesses (or partner with existing businesses) that wish to advance a social or environmental mission using business methods in exchange profit sharing or equity.  In that way, Common Wealth Enterprises operates as a diversified management holding company for social enterprises.

Follow me on twitter @tastewart

Michigan State University offers a Certificate program in entrepreneurship aimed at developing and supporting student entrepreneurs and developing their ideas into a reality. I serve as developing and administering the curriculum, planning community events, and administration of the organization.

I am also the Founding Executive Director for Skole Business Opera (www.skole.us), a Low-Profit Limited Liability company that serves to take the next step in venture creation by providing internship-credits for student-CEO's to focus on developing their ideas without sacrificing education or time to coursework.  Skole Business Opera specializes in shared resources, deadline and talent management, human social capital retention and sustainable business practices.