Syracuse University

Syracuse University's 'Start-Up: Syracuse Entrepreneur's Bootcamp' breeds business skills to help Syracuse business community

Amy Mehringer
(315) 443-3834

Amy Mehringer

What do Carolyn Clemans of CabFab, Brian Bluff of SiteSeeker Inc., George Kilpatrick of WSYR, WCNY and Kilpatrick Media and Marketing, and Lisa Assenza and Jen Falso of HuePhoria have in common? Not only are they successful Central New York entrepreneurs--they are all graduates of Syracuse University's "Start-Up: Syracuse Entrepreneur's Bootcamp," a program led by the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship in the Whitman School of Management to help entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs develop the skills necessary to take their idea or existing venture to the next level.

Now in its sixth year, the successful "Start-Up" program will help educate and launch 65 innovative and creative business entrepreneurs into the Syracuse business community. For six consecutive Saturdays starting Oct. 11, participants will study in a rigorous and intensive program that includes visits from six role model entrepreneurs and classes taught by nationally ranked Whitman School of Management faculty. Students of the program will be trained to write a business concept, create winning business plans, and make smart decisions on the critical financial, legal and marketing tactics for victory in a competitive market.

"SU's Entrepreneur's Bootcamp delivered far more than was promised," says Bluff, who founded SiteSeeker in 2000. "The faculty provides in-depth and actionable advice that changed the way we do business. Equally valuable was the opportunity to network with fellow business owners regarding problems, challenges and successes. I am now better prepared to lead Site-Seeker's growth and have established a solid network of business professionals to help tackle the most difficult problems."

"One of the great things about 'Start-Up' is that it continues even after the classroom portion ends," says Michael Morris, the Witting Chair in Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School. "Past participants have gone on to found the Entrepreneurs Society of CNY, which holds monthly events to promote entrepreneurship, learning and networking for local entrepreneurs. 'Start-Up' has really been a catalyst for economic growth in our community, in addition to helping people pursue and build their dreams."

"Start-Up" will be held at the Whitman School building, located on University Avenue. Tuition for the six-week program is $650, with a limited number of $200 scholarships available to qualified applicants. Sessions take place from 8:30 a.m.-noon. The registration and scholarship deadline is Sept. 12, and space is limited. To register, visit http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/bootcamp/ or contact Lindsay Wickham, events coordinator, at (315) 443-3550 or lwickham@syr.edu.

"Start-Up: Syracuse Entrepreneur's Bootcamp" is made possible by the support of Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC; Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC; the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency; and the Central New York Business Journal. Partners of the program include the Central New York Technology Development Organization and the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.