Tulsa World: OSU-Tulsa launches series

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OSU-Tulsa launches series
The 'Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs' will give business basics.

By LAURIE WINSLOW World Staff Writer
Published: 9/26/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 9/26/2009 4:33 AM

A series of workshops that starts next month aims to help aspiring and fledgling entrepreneurs with the basics of starting and running a business.

Oklahoma State University's Cowboy Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs will take place six consecutive Saturdays starting Oct. 10 at OSU-Tulsa.

The camp will be an intensive, hands-on learning experience for entrepreneurs of all sorts, including those who are just starting a business, want to grow an existing enterprise or simply have an idea for one.

"Our hope is that wherever they are in the entrepreneurial process that they move forward four or five steps down the path," said Michael Morris, professor, N. Malone Mitchell Chair and head of the Department of Entrepreneurship at OSU. "The goal of the program is to build sustainable, scalable ventures in Oklahoma, and this program is intended to empower them to do that."

Guest entrepreneurs and others will join a faculty team to lead the courses.

Morris noted that a lack of focus is one of the biggest mistakes of aspiring entrepreneurs.

"The tendency is to try to please too many people and not to have the sort of discipline and focus that is key," he said. "Entrepreneurial success is really tied not to an individual starting with a brilliant concept, but to the way you adapt and the way you're able to survive long enough to make the kind of changes necessary to have a viable business model."

The boot camp is one that Morris helped launch at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and Syracuse University in New York.

"It's been highly successful, and we now have several hundred boot camp graduates in central New York," said Nola Miyasaki, director of the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship for OSU.

The Riata Center, which celebrated its grand opening Friday in Stillwater, offers a diverse portfolio of programs to immerse students in entrepreneurship, as well as statewide outreach programs such as the boot camp. The center also has a satellite office at the OSU-Tulsa campus.

In addition to the regular courses, the boot camp will provide some optional sessions to give participants extra information and help. One session, for example, will feature attorneys who will answer questions and discuss legal issues.

What individuals learn from the workshops will differ, depending on where they are in the entrepreneurial process, Miyasaki said.

"Some people will be able to walk away with a business plan if they're in the early stages," she said. "Other people will walk away with a great understanding of market segmentation and how to reach their customers."

Cowboy Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs

Where: OSU-Tulsa, 700 N. Greenwood Ave.

When: Six Saturdays starting Oct. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Additional optional one-hour sessions on selected Saturdays.

Cost: $650. Limited scholarships available.

Course schedule:

Oct. 10: “Bootcamp Basics: The Entrepreneurial Dream.”

Oct. 17: “What You Need to Know About the Numbers (basic and advanced perspectives).” Special session noon to 1 p.m.: “Why Do I Need a CPA Firm?”

Oct. 24: “How To Get More Out of a Business Plan.” Special session noon to 1 p.m.: “How to Finance Your Business with an SBA Loan.”

Oct. 31: “Customers Drive the Business.” Special session noon to 1 p.m.: “How to Use Technology to Help Your Business.” Nov. 7: “Raising Money, Determining Value & Structuring the Deal.” Special session noon to 1 p.m.: “Ask the Lawyers.”

Nov. 14: “The F’s Have It: Fundamentals that Matter.” Luncheon and certification ceremony, noon to 1:30 p.m.

More information and registration: tulsaworld.com/osubootcamp or call (405) 744-7552.

Laurie Winslow 581-8466
laurie.winslow@tulsaworld.com By LAURIE WINSLOW World Staff Writer

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