“Promoting Entrepreneurship in Our Community” - CVCC Forum - March 6, 2012

About a week and a half ago, on March 6, 2012, I attended a forum related to Entrepreneurialism at CVCC. The forum was dedicated to “Promoting Entrepreneurship in Our Community.”

Guest panelists included Shane Cooper, founder and chief executive officer of DeFeet International, David Washco, founder of GoPriceDrive.com and ’11 Edison Prize Winner; Scott Millar, president of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation; Danny Hearn, president of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of CVCC.

The event was sponsored by CVCC and the Catawba Valley Emerging Entrepreneurship Club, which seeks ways to introduce members to individuals who have started their own businesses. Students involved in this endeavor participate in various activities that provide real-world exposure to the day-to-day operations of American businesses.




Part 1 - Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, President of Catawba Valley Community College opens the Catawba Valley Emerging Entrepreneurship Club speaker’s forum on “Promoting Entrepreneurship in Our Community,” on Tuesday March 6, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the CVCC Auditorium.

Part 2 - The Participants of the speaker's forum on Entrepreneurship discuss how they got started in their careers and the path that led to where they are today.

Part 3 - What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career? Mr. Washco talks about struggles including dyslexia -- a trait he shares along with Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper's story was very engaging related to the struggles he has had including starting over twice because of a fire and a flood and dealing with theft in his company.

Part 4 - The Bradshaws, who have started a company related to an innovative product that fills a void in the home medical assistance equipment market in the form of a unique stepstool with removable handrails for versatility and compact storage that helps people get in and out of vehicles, ask an excellent question about gaining an entry point into the marketplace. They want to know how they can get past company gatekeepers to get to decision makers in order to sell their product. Mr. Hearn talks about finding ways to gain leverage through alternative methods. Mr. Washco talks about being prepared before you walk in the door and demonstrating the product from the outset. As Dr. Hinshaw states you have to learn how to get numb to the word "No." Mr. Cooper talks about getting past the nerves.

Part 5 - Venture Capital versus Angel Investors and other forms of Capital Investment. How do we expand local opportunities. The realities of initial investment.

Part 6 - Finding time for your struggling business, while working to survive in the realities of the present economy. Mr. Washco states that "Success is being Your best." He talks about the Mentorship he gained through the Edison Project. Danny Hearn talks about performing a personal entrepreneurial audit through brainstorming and business consultants. March 27th in the Sipe board room there will be a Entrepreneurial Exchange Network from 8:00am to 9:30am. A lady talks about her sons dyslexia and asks about advice from Mr. Cooper and Mr. Washco.

Part 7 - The closing of the forum. A question and discussion about business owners might love their baby (their business) to death. Mr. Cooper goes into the progression of growing his business -- releasing the baby. Going into business is like getting married to other people. Mr. Washco talks about giving people permission to critique your business and ideas and doing it expressly. When people say no, you need to ask Why?... A question about the best way to start your own business... Starting your own business versus buying an existing business.


The Edison Project - Good News and Great Ventures - 9/19/2011