Campus News

Thinc. at UGA offers business insights and networking opportunities for the entrepreneurially-minded

Athens, Ga. – It’s not easy for young businesses and social ventures to get off the ground in today’s extraordinarily competitive marketplace, but those wrestling with tough questions can save a lot of time and effort by learning from seasoned veterans.

Thinc. at UGA, a University of Georgia initiative to encourage and foster entrepreneurial thinking, will host three events aimed directly at business novices during Thinc. Week, April 13-17. Each event will help those who think they may want to start something of their own by connecting them with people who already have.

“She Started It,” will feature some of UGA’s most innovative and thoughtful women sharing their experiences and insights about the world of entrepreneurship on April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. in the Tate Student Center reception hall.

As part of a discussion moderated by Pamela Whitten, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, attendees will learn about the unique challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs and have an opportunity to network and share perspectives during an extended question and answer session.

Later that same day, a mixed panel of some of the region’s successful entrepreneurs will share their stories during “Starting Points,” an event co-sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber from 6-8 p.m. in room 101 of the Miller Learning Center.

Attendees may enjoy light refreshments and network with speakers from 6-6:30 p.m., when Bob Pinckney, CEO of Evoshield and the evening’s moderator, will begin the panel discussion. Featuring participants from fields as diverse as biomedicine and restaurant ownership, the group will share their personal stories and tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Panelists include Tracey Stice, COO at Aruna Biomedical; Drew French, founder of Your Pie; Davis Knox, founder of Fire and Flavor; Steve Hollis, co-owner and CEO of Power Partners and Tom Robertson, CEO of IS3D.

Designed exclusively for students, UGA’s young entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to practice their pitch to investors and partners in an “Extreme Networking” event on April 17 from 5-6:30 p.m. outside the UGA Chapel on the North Campus Quad.

Investors and business professionals will be on hand to help students hone their elevator speech and better connect with those who can help take ideas from concept to reality.

Space for this event is limited and registration is required. To register, see http://t.uga.edu/G2.

For more information about these and other Thinc. Week signature events, visit thinc.uga.edu.