LANSING – Following the fine example of Central Michigan University, other universities and colleges are beginning to understand how to integrate entrepreneurship into their institutional offerings.
For example, Lawrence Technological University is focused on “intrepreneuring,” or the infusion of entrepreneurial skills engineers who will be expected to work for companies rather than starting one. LTU’s idea is to use entrepreneurial engineers to re-tool American businesses from the inside out.
Several community colleges are working with CMU to form 2 plus 2 programs where their students with Associates Degrees can transfer to CMU’s Entrepreneurial Degree Program. Other schools are offering entrepreneur programs via affiliated institutes, such as the University of Michigan?s Zell Luri Institute.
In addition to colleges and universities, a number of profit and non-profit organizations are offering entrepreneurial training in a corporate training setting. Some investor groups, for example the Michigan Venture Capital Association, are even training entrepreneurs as a way to create deal flow to Michigan investors.
Finally, the Michigan Entrepreneur Education Network is developing an On-Line Entrepreneur Curriculum that can be accessed by entrepreneurs seeking degrees, training or simply targeted information.
Entrepreneurial Education is expected to receive added attention in the future. Both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature have proposed bills that would provide funding for entrepreneurial education and training.
This column was written by Mark Clevey, vice president entrepreneurial development, for the Small Business Association of Michigan. His email address is [email protected]
