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 What
makes a top entrepreneurship program? According to Entrepreneur
Magazine, “The common denominator for top-notch entrepreneurship
education programs is firsthand experience – putting participants in the
trenches to nurture an entrepreneurial idea from start to finish.
There’s still room for conventional lectures and textbooks, but today,
the focus is on getting out and doing it with guidance from peers and
experienced mentors.”
The Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State
University, Fresno receives recognition for its extensive programming
that hits all of these areas. Fresno State is named along with other
schools with top programs, such as Stanford, MIT, University of Miami
and Arizona State University.
The article adds that the best programs are found on campuses with
student entrepreneur organizations, opportunities for student to start
businesses, dedicated work spaces, and knowledgeable faculty with strong
entrepreneurial backgrounds.
“We are a unique program in the country,” notes Genelle Taylor,
associate director of the Lyles Center. “We offer support to student
entrepreneurs throughout the community and have built a pathway for
students from high school to community colleges and Fresno State.”
The Lyles Center’s Mentorship Program pairs students with professional
mentors, encourages community involvement and hands on learning. The
Lyles Center offers scholarships and business plan competitions each
year that award money, in-kind services, hatchery offices and guidance
and support from experienced entrepreneurial faculty and the surrounding
business community.
It also supports Fresno State’s Collegiate Entrepreneur Club (CEO) and
provides programs that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in
local elementary, middle and high schools.
Dr. Timothy M. Stearns, Coleman Foundation Chair in Entrepreneurial
Studies and executive director of the Lyles Center said, “We not only
offer hands on learning in the classroom, our students have easy access
to a multitude of resources and community leaders to facilitate the
pursuit of their entrepreneurial goals.”
By nurturing aspiring student entrepreneurs and encouraging new ideas
and growth, the Lyles Center is able to give student businesses the
greatest opportunity for success.
For more information, contact Taylor at
genellet@csufresno.edu or
559.347.6832.
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