I spent two evenings at Carroll College in Helena this week kicking off the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program there. Hundreds attended the opening lecture Monday evening. Over the course of this year we will attempt to launch up to 12 new businesses from scratch with teams of students, faculty, and community members. The goals are more high-paying jobs in Montana and real-world experience for the students.
I love working with college students; they don’t know things are impossible yet. Plus, as I get to know the community at Carroll, I am encouraged that something really special will happen there this year. There is a palpable enthusiasm to do good and the smarts to make it happen.
All the start-up ideas are student-generated and led. I will return to campus each month to meet with the teams and coach them through the start-up process. This is not a theoretical exercise; we will work to birth new Montana businesses this school year. Hopefully these new businesses will create opportunities for many Montanans.
Private sector companies create jobs and prosperity in our communities and in our state. Entrepreneurs are the spark to create those companies and we must encourage and support them.
Please join me in cheering for the Carroll College entrepreneur teams and entrepreneurs all over the state. Their success will contribute to the likelihood of high-paying jobs here in Montana. Personally, I’m glad they think great things are possible.
September 11, 2014 @ 1:53 pm
One of my favorite quotes – “There’s no such thing as Impossible. Even the word itself says I’m possible.” This is a great post, Greg – can’t wait to learn more about the Helena start-ups. So exciting.