Interested in learning about Entrepreneurship? Join members of the SMU community to learn from practicing entrepreneurs through their personal stories of business success and hardship. Even if you aren’t a business major, you one day could find yourself owning your own business and placing your talents and passions into action.

Alumni Panelists:

• Laurel Feddema '83
  • Founder & President, Steppingstone Consulting Inc.
• Pat & Jerry '62 Papenfuss
  • Owners, Result Radio Group
• Grace McNamara '77
  • President & CEO, Grace McNamara Inc.

Learn more – View the Entrepreneurship 101 posters (PDF)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
7 - 8 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge

Admission is free and to all students, faculty & staff.

The Kabara Institute for Entreprenuerial Studies announces the
Second Annual Student Business Plan Competition

All full-time undergraduate students on Saint Mary's Winona Campus are welcome to participate.

All you have to do is develop a business plan for a business you would like to start using a $10,000 maximum budget. Winners will win cash prizes of $1,000, $500 or $250, and all seminfinalists will receiveone year memberships in CEO - the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Hard and electronic copies of your plan are due by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009. Semifinalists will present their plans to a panel of judges on Friday, March 13, 2009, and the winners will be announced within one week.

Questions should be directed to Business Professor Teresa Speck at tspeck@smumn.edu or (507) 457-1449. You may also contact Dominic Lawrence at dlawrenc@smumn.edu or (507) 457-1486.

More Information

Without financing your business plan will never reach reality. Conventional loans, SBA loans, and private investing will be examined. How does the length of the loan relate to what we are financing?

Presented by Mark Thein of the Small Business Development Center
Mr. Thein will be available for questions for thirty minutes after his presentation.

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. in the World Room, Hendrickson Center
Seating in the World Room is limited.

Profit and Loss Report. Balance Sheet. Cash Flow Statement. Make sure that all financial data is reported and accounted for to represent a true projection of the business plan.

Presented by Rick Indrelie of the Small Business Development Center

What is your idea? Can you sell your product or service? Who is your customer? Who is your competition? What is your pricing structure of your product or service?

Presented by Rick Indrelie of the Small Business Development Center

Brother Finbar McMullen addressed students on the importance of innovative thought accompanied by an “entrepreneur’s attitude.” According to Finbar, this attitude drives one to take the necessary steps to see their product succeed in the marketplace. Most of the objects he presented were practical solutions to challenges he faced in daily life. Finbar’s presentation was very inspirational to students in that he encouraged them to seek the abundant opportunities right in their midst. In his comments to students Finbar expressed his belief that opportunity for innovation is everywhere. As he exemplifies, anyone can take an idea that is helpful to themselves and market it to others who may have a similar need. He emphasized that what it takes to make this approach successful is not only knowledge and capital, but also a passion and will to succeed.

Joe Roetheli spoke to students about his journey and experiences as an entrepreneur in the business world. Joe shared his personal story and described many of the challenges he faced in developing “Greenies.” He stressed the importance of maintaining an optimistic attitude and a persistent will to succeed. Joe exhorted students to run with their ideas, making starting your own business seem like a very real, attainable goal.

Todd VonBastiaans ’94 spoke to students about his many adventures as an entrepreneur in the Las Vegas set and lighting industry. He offered entertaining anecdotes and applicable suggestions to help students succeed in their own entrepreneurial adventures.

Todd’s passion interested students and encouraged them to be proactive in the pursuit of their vision.