Ain Center Lecture Series Features Cofounder of EOS Lip Balm: 11/16

The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship Lecture Series presents Craig Dubitsky '87, cofounder of EOS Products, founding board member at Method Products, and founder and CEO of Hello Products, who will give a talk: “Dream Big, Keep It Simple, and Stay Friendly” on Monday, November 16 at 4:45 p.m. in Schlegel 207 (new room). His talk will discuss how often the best ideas are the simplest ideas. He will also share how he identifies the big, bold ideas that help brand leaders create products and experiences that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The event is free and open to the University community and the general public. A reception and meet and greet with the speaker will follow the talk. Attendees must register online in advance or call (585) 276-3500. You can also join the event on Facebook. Those who register will receive a complimentary River Campus parking pass. This event is part of the University's celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Application Deadline for NSF I-Corps Site Training and Grant Program: 11/16

Got a technical business idea? Students at any level of study, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to apply to Cohort II of the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Site program at the University of Rochester. The program provides entrepreneurial training (two required workshops and biweekly meetings) and modest funding ($1,000 to $3,000 grant awards) to enable teams to transition their technical idea into the marketplace. Cohort II will take place during the 2016 spring semester. The application, including an Itemized Financial Plan on how the funds will be used, are due Monday, November 16 at noon via email to Matthew Spielmann. Learn more about the program details, financial details, and eligibility and guidelines online.

Volunteer to Judge High School Students’ Business Plans: 11/17

Student volunteers are needed to judge high school students’ Virtual Enterprises business plans on Tuesday, November 17 at 6 p.m. in Gleason Hall, Room 318/418. All majors are welcome and prior experience is not necessary although an interest in business is a plus. Judging rubrics, pizza, and beverages will be provided to all student volunteer judges. All attendees must bring their laptops to the event as the judging uses an online platform. Register online or learn more by contacting the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship at 276-3500 or emailing matthew.spielmann@rochester.edu by Monday, November 16 at noon. This event is part of the University’s celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence Office Hours: 11/18

Need advice on launching a new venture? Schedule an appointment with the Ain Center's Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), Michael Wohl, managing partner of ClimateHedge Investments and Greenspace Capital and associate director of social entrepreneurship at the Simon School, on Wednesday, November 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Carol Simon Hall. Appointments are required and can be scheduled using our online booking system: book with Michael Wohl or by calling 585-276-3500.

O’Brien & Gere SPARK Competition Kick-off Event: 11/20

Sign up for this special think-tank style competition by attending the O’Brien & Gere SPARK Competition Kick-off Event on Friday, November 20 at noon at the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, 1-211 Carol Simon Hall. The competition will give students at all levels of study in STEM- and business-related disciplines the chance to solve a real problem with engineers and scientists working with real-world industry representatives. Hosted by the TEAM program and engineering solutions provider O’Brien & Gere, students will be asked to solve a problem and present solutions to meet industry needs. For more information, contact Andrea Galati.

Why should you participate?

• Prize money: $1,000 to winning team and $500 to runner-up with additional prizes and giveaways
• Enhance your resume and network with industry professionals
• Develop a solution that may be implemented