Entrepreneurship at ESF

Entrepreneurship (E-Ship) is a concept with many definitions. Some apply at ESF, others don’t. Here are a few favorites:

• "Any attempt at new business or new venture creation, such as self-employment, a new business organization, or the expansion of an existing business, by an individual, a team or an established business;"
• "A way of thinking and acting that is opportunity obsessed, holistic in approach and leadership balanced - for the purpose of wealth creation;"
• "The pursuit of opportunity without regard to the resources controlled."

A useful way of looking at E-Ship in an academic setting is that its can be a catalyst for new thoughts, approaches and directions including being a "intrapreneur" within a large organization.

What’s going on at ESF in E-Ship?

We have three different components of the E-Ship program at ESF in place:

• Academic Minor
  An academic minor, first established in 2002, is offered in collaboration with SU's Whitman School of Management. Read about the minor.
• Green Entrepreneurship course
  Each Spring, the 3-credit course Green Entrepreneurship is offered. As part of the course, we hold a competition where students enrolled in the course form teams and develop new venture proposals. They gain the experience of presenting these proposals to a panel of external judges, and answering the panel's questions afterwards. A modest prize is at stake to create some friendly competition. The presentations take place on the final day of the course. Read the overview of course content, and check back for any updates!
• Professional Communication Skills course
  The best ideas and plans for a start-up will go nowhere if they are not communicated effectively. The smartest entrepreneurs will find no success if they cannot get their message across. In fact, without effective and professional communications, very little gets accomplished. This 1-credit course taught by Gary Lim, offered in Fall and Spring semesters, covers all forms of communications, including verbal, written, presentations, resumes and cover letters, and more. It is Professor Lim’s passionate objective that you be a great communicator, so you can stand “apart FROM the pack” instead of being a part OF the pack.

What else is important about E-Ship?

Over 200 colleges and universities offer programs in E-Ship to enhance the career opportunities available to students. E-Ship can help create linkages to local and regional businesses. Many employers, especially smaller companies, demand E-Ship skills!

Where can I get more information?

The ESF Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship is Gary Lim, President of Aurarius LLC, Manlius, NY. He can contacted by email at glim@AurariusLLC.com, or by phone 315-885-1532. Read about Gary Lim. Questions can also be directed to Dr. Art Stipanovic, Department of Chemistry (x6860, 123 Jahn Lab).