Who’s in the Spotlight?

Many times we forget how critical social entrepreneurs are in the development of an entrepreneurial community and in the creation a perception change in the region. Non-profits are catalysts for economic growth and change, just as are private companies. L2G takes the talents of 10 generation Y’s and uses them to fill a critical need in Michigan. Check out the website to recommend/nominate a charity or to see some of the great work they are up to!

You can email Live to Give Foundation at info@livetogivefoundation.org, fan them on Facebook or follow them at @LiveToGive

1)      She has a good idea for a bike-share program in Lansing.

2)      She has been actively working on it all year, so we know she’s passionate and driven to really see this idea out.

3)      She takes risks like whoah.

Theresa believes that a bike sharing program is just one of the many solutions to making Lansing “sexy” and more livable. Her idea would strategically place bikes throughout the MSU campus and surrounding greater Lansing area so that individuals can “rent” the bike for an hourly, monthly or even annual fee. The program creates a more flexible option for visitors, temporary residents or those who cannot afford a high-quality bike such as the ones the program would afford. Cities across the country, such as Theresa’s hometown Chicago, have implemented the program with raging success.

Students have great ideas like these all the time. What makes Theresa so special and unique is that she is following through with hers. She first had this idea in the Fall and has been busy writing a business plan and meeting with individuals and organizations that can help make it happen. You can check out her business plan here and give her feedback!

She has clearly put a lot of time and energy into creating something this thorough and well thought-out.

Lastly, Theresa has impressed even the bravest of us with the way she stepped up and stormed the IgniteLansing stage after only 48 hour notice of her presentation. She quickly formatted her presentation to fit the fast-pace, high energy format of the event. Before the event, I’m pretty sure us Spotlighters were more nervous than she was! Confident risk-taking is crucial for building a spirit of entrepreneurship in a region.

Want more information on Theresa and her Eve of Ignition/Ignite presentation? Check out these LSJ article-1 and article 2.

Bravo to Theresa and her bike-sharing idea!

Want details on the event? Check out their website or their facebook here.

The purpose of this event is to help Haiti in this time of need, to build local connections here in Michigan, and to work to promote a sustainable economy both here on the local level, and globally.

Sounds like a pretty awesome thing to me!

Will take place in the engineering building- room 1220

There will be two portions of this conversation. From 2 PM- 3PM on March 19^th, we will discuss the definition of an entrepreneurial community, as well as the necessary and sufficient conditions for building one. We will discuss various components that include but are not limited to the role of universities, public and private partnerships, the governmental and institutional environment, the creation of enterprising businesses and lastly, the role of culture.

From 3-4 PM, the discussion is ONLY for students and recent alumni (’09 or ’08 graduates). This portion of the discussion will focus on what students are looking for from universities, their city and region and their state to best aid in the transition from college to a post graduate career. Included in this discussion will also be what students are looking for post graduation. This discussion will include defining talent retention and what keeps a student in a region.

The podcast will be recorded and posted on the website: spotlightcampus.org, the host organization for this discussion. All participants will have free access to post and distribute the podcast as they wish as well. Other potential channels for distribution include YouTube and to city officials and university administrators.

Please RSVP if you are interested in participating in this podcast discussion. We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Space is limited so RSVP ASAP.

You can check out my article on all the great things happening in Michigan here.

I am really excited about all the resources here in Lansing for young adults. To quote the essay, “My life is booming with innovative ideas, entrepreneurial resources, incredible mentors and impressive friends in Lansing; yours could be too.”