Kabara, Business Department to host events for Global Entrepreneurship Week

In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department are hosting several activities. Events are co-sponsored by the Biology and Business departments and Envision Club.

Monday, Nov. 17, noon to 1 p.m., Toner Student Center dining room: Fun-filled games and activities that test your entrepreneurial knowledge. Prizes will be awarded.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., Common Room: Michael Cichanowski, founder and owner of We-no-nah Canoe will speak. His business is among the largest makers of paddle sport boats in the world. We-no-nah Canoe products are available in more than 400 specialty retail locations around the world.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 to 8 p.m., Salvi Lecture Hall: David Kingland, founder and CEO of Kingland Systems, will speak. Kingland Systems provides software, data consulting services and solutions to various accounting, financial and insurance companies.

Monday, Nov. 24, noon to 2 p.m., Knitcraft Corporation: Bernhard Brenner, president and CEO of Knitcraft Corporation, will give a presentation and tour. Knitcraft has created the highest quality of men’s knitwear and outerwear in the world since 1960. Worn by Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Mike Ditka, the St. Croix Collections line remains in the forefront of men’s exclusive fashion. Get a glimpse into its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Register by email to kabarainstitute@smumn.edu by Friday, Nov. 21. A limited number of spots are available.

Kabara, Business Department to host events for Global Entrepreneurship Week

In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Business Department are hosting several activities.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

On Tuesday, a state representative of the Small Business Development Center will make a presentation on the support services available from the Small Business Administration.

On Wednesday, a group of students will tour an area nursery that is diversitying into hydroponics and growing vegetables during the winter months.

On Thursday, the Kabara Institute is sponsoring a new-business elevator pitch competition for students from all departments.

And on Friday, Dan Skogen, chairman of Festival Foods, will present to students at 12:30 p.m. in the Common Room. The SMU community is invited to this presentation.

Jim Bedtke, executive director of the Kabara Institute, quotes the Department of Labor Statistics Report which states that startups in their first year of existence currently create around 2.5 million new jobs in the U.S.

The Huffington Post adds, “What you’ll find is that some of the coolest and most rewarding ‘job-jobs’ on the planet are the ones in startups and small businesses. Why? Because the folks running these enterprises tend to take the social contract with their employees more to heart than do the typical huge organizations run by professional executives and quarterly results. They appreciate the value of hard work. And the small-business owners will do just about anything to keep the business on an even keel and protect their loyal people.”