Teaching Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship Education Consortium (EEC) takes an innovative approach to teaching students what it takes to be a business owner.

Entrepreneurship Immersion Week 2008 concluded with 35 students competing in teams to secure financial support for their business ideas. Details of competition and the program can be found in this story by Paula Schleis of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The EEC is made up of Kent State University, the University of Akron, Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University, Ashland University, Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University.

Five-member teams spent the week learning about entrepreneurship and finished by presenting their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win part of an $8,000 pool. Winners can use the money as they wish, including launching their business.

This year’s winning team from Case Western Reserve University developed a business plan for a coupon card allowing consumers to download and redeem coupons electronically while allowing retailers to collect information on their consumer behavior.