Summary:
The NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic sponsored and co-planned Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, a record-breaking event for entrepreneurs and investors.
Startup Week offered over 50 workshops, keynote talks, and special events across three tracks: early-idea stage, build mode, and high-growth scaling.
Haley Huie, director of the Entrepreneurship Clinic, highlights the importance of community partnerships and NC State's role in driving entrepreneurship.
Students in Huie's clinic class gain valuable experience through interactions with Wolfpack alumni and representatives from established startups like Airbnb and DoorDash.
Mark Saad, a Poole College alumnus, shared his experience of a business failure, emphasizing the importance of understanding the target market before scaling a product.
Saad's story highlights the value of learning from setbacks and emphasizes the importance of a strong community to support entrepreneurs.
NC State's Entrepreneurship Clinic: Powering Raleigh-Durham Startup Week
The NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic, based in Poole College, played a key role in the Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, which saw a record attendance of established and aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. The clinic sponsored and co-planned the event, creating opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and share practical advice.
A Hub for Entrepreneurship
Startup Week featured over 50 workshops, keynote talks, and special events focused on three tracks: early-idea stage, build mode, and high-growth scaling. The event fostered a sense of community and provided invaluable networking opportunities.
Haley Huie, director of the Entrepreneurship Clinic, emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and NC State's role in driving entrepreneurship in the region. Students in her clinic class benefit from interacting with Wolfpack alumni and representatives from established startups like Airbnb and DoorDash, gaining valuable insights and real-world experiences.
Learning From Failure: A Key Takeaway
Mark Saad, a Poole College alumnus and successful entrepreneur, shared his story of launching a company that sold 65,000 pairs of children's flip-flops, only to see a mere 10% sell. This experience taught him the importance of understanding and talking to his target market before scaling a product. Despite the setback, Saad went on to lead Feelgoodz to a 500% growth rate and later co-founded Sherpa Collaborative, a business consulting and investment company.
A Shared Vision for Growth
The success of Startup Week lies in the organizers' understanding of the attendees' needs. Huie emphasizes the importance of creating access to investors and a network to power mentorships for startups. The event provides a platform for everyone from eager investors to aspiring entrepreneurs to connect and contribute to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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