Tag: entrepreneurship

How Mentorship and Incubation Programs Benefit the World

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To progress meaningfully, the world needs bold, innovative thinkers. Where would we be if Edison had never questioned the dark and invented the light bulb? If Alexander Graham Bell had never grown frustrated with the means of communication of his day and invented the telephone, where would we be? Where would we be if the Lumière Brothers had never looked to further the means of entertainment by inventing the art of cinema?

Progress would never happen without thoughtful, curious minds pushing at our world’s perceived barriers and constraints.

But for those great minds to truly succeed, they must have access to the tools and means necessary to achieve such greatness. This is why mentorship and incubator programs have become invaluable resources, providing resources, connections, and tools to some of the greatest minds of the modern-day and forming them into the thought leaders and world-shapers they will become.

Giving Great Minds the Tools to Change the World

These programs contribute to the betterment of the world. They can help young or struggling entrepreneurs obtain much-needed resources and connections to get their startups off the ground. The incubator program was founded to provide support services such as strategic advice, funding options, and connections to industry experts.

By connecting these young entrepreneurs to marketing assistance specialists and mentors within their field, these programs help to give young startups the exposure needed to attract more customers and build momentum around their services and/or products.

One incubation and mentorship program is USC’s Rossier School of Education’s Education Technology (EdTech) Accelerator Program, which began accepting applications for its 7th cohort on September 1st. The Accelerator is aimed at tech-enabled education solutions with high potential to improve the quality and equity of education, from early childhood through adult learning.

The History of the EdTech Accelerator Program

Doug Lynch started the EdTech Accelerator program in 2018 to help early-stage education technology companies accelerate their growth. The program is designed to be accessible, with no fees or equity requirements, and focuses on assisting companies in developing practical solutions that address real problems in education.

“The program is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the education ecosystem, improve the efficacy of their products or solutions, refine a go-to-market strategy, and establish key relationships so that companies can accelerate growth and increase impact,” said Mark DeGennaro, Managing Director of USC EdTech Accelerator Program.

Throughout the seven cohorts, the accelerator has worked with around 75 companies that have collectively raised over $130 million and reached over 23 million learners worldwide. While the program has had some surprising successes, like a company with a co-founder who won the Nobel Prize, the team is most excited about the broader impact the companies are having in areas like improving college access, workforce development, and addressing equity gaps in education.

Reaping the Benefits

Startup mentorship and incubation programs have long been great ways to assist young entrepreneurial minds in gaining insight, experience, and hands-on expertise to successfully launch their businesses. These programs offer unparalleled resources that contribute significantly to the likelihood of individual entrepreneur success in the long term.

Joining a mentorship or incubation program can benefit an upstart, from mentoring to networking opportunities to full-blown financial support. Through their experiences in incubator programs, entrepreneurs are educated and enabled to make effective business choices and better understand how they can achieve their business aspirations.

The ideological intent behind mentorship and incubation programs is to give a platform and means of communication to today’s inspiring voices in the hopes that they might change the future of our tomorrow. Thus far, the results of these kinds of incubation programs speak for themselves, having afforded means and connections to countless upstarts whose future ventures have benefitted the world in profound ways.

September 27, 2024
Felix Huettenbach: The 30-Day Journey to Becoming a Pilot

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Felix Huettenbach is accustomed to facing difficulties. Felix has continuously challenged himself to discover new opportunities, from starting profitable businesses to changing the world as a philanthropist.

His most recent project? Obtaining a pilot’s license. Felix provides an intimate glimpse into his preparation in his most recent YouTube video. He will accomplish this challenging objective by chronicling the 30-day trip leading up to his pilot’s exam.

Learning to Fly: The 30-Day Countdown

More than merely picking up a new ability, Felix views learning to fly as accepting a challenge that will push him beyond his comfort zone. He begins rigorous training immediately, with just 30 days remaining until his pilot’s test. In his video, he navigates the complexities of flying, learning how to use airplane controls and comprehend aviation laws.

Felix discusses the highs and lows of his training throughout the film. Sometimes, the difficulty of the work seems too much to handle, and doubt sets in. On the other hand, he works diligently to hone his abilities and gain the confidence to pass his test, demonstrating his dedication to the process.

Balancing Life and Flight Training

Balance is one of Felix’s journey’s main concepts. He shows that even the busiest schedules can accept new challenges by making time for flying instruction despite his hectic existence as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Felix’s worldview is based on his commitment to self-improvement, which allows him to push limits while staying focused on his larger objectives.

Felix’s journey aims to inspire others and foster personal development. By sharing his experiences, he encourages people to pursue their big dreams, no matter how difficult they may appear. He has gone from being broke and living off an intern visa to starting four businesses. Felix highlights that although hard work and devotion can yield excellent results, success is rarely a straight line.

The Broader Impact: Inspiration Beyond the Cockpit

Felix wants to become a certified pilot shortly, but his path will influence him outside the air. His film serves as a helpful reminder that accepting new difficulties may be a significant catalyst for inspiration and personal development. Felix’s philosophy of life, which views every new ability or accomplishment as a chance to grow and motivate others, strikes a deep chord with his audience.

Felix is dedicated to sharing his journey because he thinks learning lessons along the road is as essential to success as arriving at the objective. Felix has the same attitude toward every task, whether learning to fly or launching a new business: a commitment to development, education, and having a good influence.

Toward the Future: The Last Countdown

Felix is still goal-oriented despite the little time remaining until his pilot’s exam. His journey’s penultimate leg is occupied with last-minute planning, honing his abilities, and ensuring he’s prepared for the task. Felix’s journey is already a success in and of itself, regardless of the conclusion, an encouraging tale of tenacity, development, and the quest for new challenges.

Written in partnership with Shannon Sparks.

August 26, 2024
Kris Jenner Named Los Angeles Magazine’s Woman of the Year

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Los Angeles Magazine has named Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, the coveted Woman of the Year. The acknowledgment is hardly surprising, given Jenner’s incredible journey from her modest retail origins to her reputation as a cultural icon and business entrepreneur.

Jenner’s impact goes well beyond the walls of her family’s reality show, “The Kardashians,” as seen by her recent appearance in rap songs, where she’s praised as a representation of strength and prosperity. Artists like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Yachty have mentioned her in their music, further cementing her place in pop culture.

Even with Hollywood’s glamour and flash, Jenner never wavers in her dedication to her family and enterprises. Jenner, who began her career working in her grandmother’s store at a young age, had a sharp business sense that she has since used to manage the careers of her six children, making them well-known and creating a multibillion-dollar empire.

With millions of viewers worldwide for her family’s reality program, Jenner’s influence on popular culture is evident. Her capacity to go through various phases of her life and profession with poise and resiliency makes her stand out.

Jenner discussed her path and accomplishments in a recent interview with Los Angeles Magazine, praising her tenacity and excellent work ethic. Jenner’s commitment to her work is clear, as shown by her career progression from wrapping presents at her grandmother’s store to running many companies and sponsorships.

Being one of the most significant personalities in pop culture, Jenner enjoys fame and attention, but she doesn’t let it detract from her commitment to her family and health. Even though Jenner has unquestionably realized the California dream with four homes in Los Angeles County and an estimated net worth of over $200 million, she still maintains her modesty and commitment to her moral principles.

Jenner’s priorities are maintaining her health and pursuing her hobbies as she gets closer to 70 years old next year. Jenner isn’t slowing down, whether running her family’s companies or taking on new projects like her brand of natural cleaning supplies, Safely.

Jenner’s influence on the city and its culture is honored as she won Woman of the Year from Los Angeles Magazine. Beyond the confines of Hollywood, Jenner’s impact is apparent in her charitable work and contributions to the entertainment business.

Kris Jenner is an established trailblazer in pop culture, and her endurance and determination will continue to inspire future generations. Given that rap songs have made Jenner’s name even more famous and that her companies are doing well, her influence will not go away soon.

Furthermore, Jenner’s influence as a businesswoman and mentor has been crucial in molding the careers of other youthful entrepreneurs. Her leadership and mentoring inspired numerous others to follow their passions and thrive in the cutthroat entertainment and business industries.

It’s impossible to overstate Jenner’s dedication to philanthropy. She has actively participated in many charitable endeavors, promoting women’s empowerment, healthcare, and education. Her commitment to giving back to the community further solidifies her standing as a prominent societal figure and is a light of hope and inspiration for many.

March 7, 2024
L.A. Small Business Owner Receives $10,000 Grant from Verizon and Rams

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In a remarkable display of community support and collaboration, Lupe Tlatenchi, owner of Los Angeles small business GTLA Apparel, experienced an unexpected moment of generosity. The Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team, in partnership with telecommunications giant Verizon, organized a networking event and panel discussion with a surprise for Tlatenchi. The event was aimed at enlightening representatives from over 35 Certified #RamsHouses on the advantages of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the abundant resources that are available to bolster their enterprises.

Amidst the gathering, Lupe Tlatenchi was met with a delightful shock. She was granted an impressive $10,000 to fuel her small business, courtesy of the Verizon Digital Ready program. This grant stands as a reflection of her commitment to advancing sustainability and equity within the fabric of Los Angeles manufacturing through her innovative apparel brand. It is a significant step to bring a sustainable change in the fashion industry.

Justin Watson, a Super Bowl XXXIV Champion with the Rams and an accomplished entrepreneur, was present at the event. He lent his expertise to moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session. Here, Tlatenchi, alongside representatives from other local Certified #RamsHouse small businesses, shared insights and experiences of their entrepreneurial journey. Shanita Nicholas, co-owner of Sip & Sonder, and Gustavo Chavez, proprietor of Carnitas El Artista, also offered valuable perspectives at the event. Their voices served to highlight the transformative impact of Verizon’s Digital Ready program on their respective ventures.

Daniel Butler, senior manager of Verizon’s corporate social responsibility strategy, emphasized the significance of empowering small businesses, particularly those lacking in advantages and opportunities. Expressing his happiness about the partnership between Verizon and the Rams, Butler’s words at the event reflected a shared commitment to reaching and supporting one million small businesses by 2030.

For Tlatenchi, the journey toward sustainable and ethical business practices began in 2017 when she established her fashion factory. She recounted feeling isolated initially until she joined Verizon’s program. According to her, the program provided her with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and invaluable resources to grow her venture.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has emerged as a guiding light for small businesses navigating the digital landscape. This program offers a comprehensive suite of online courses, mentorship opportunities, peer networking, and expert coaching to help local businesses thrive. Notably, engaged users who complete at least two courses on the platform become eligible to apply for the coveted $10,000 grant. The grant provides a lifeline for selected small businesses annually.

Simultaneously, the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse program, launched in 2020, has galvanized support for local businesses across the Los Angeles region. With a focus on Season Ticket Member businesses, enterprises in Inglewood, and Black-owned and Latino-owned establishments citywide, the program has transformed into an initiative for fostering a sense of community pride and solidarity. Since its inception, over 75 local businesses and 40 small enterprises in Inglewood have benefited from the program’s unwavering support.

As the small business landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve, initiatives like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse programs are becoming small businesses’ fuel for growth. This empowers them to thrive amidst challenges and build a roadmap to sustainable prosperity.

February 13, 2024
Building a Business Community When Starting a Business from Home

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With the surge in business startups reaching over 5 million in 2022 and continuing to grow in 2023, the establishment of a robust business community has become a critical component. While the journey of running a work-from-home business has appealing elements, it is not without its significant challenges. As independent business ventures become more common, Stephanie Cartin, Co-founder of Entrepreneurista, places a strong emphasis on the importance of fostering connections and community in the modern business world.

The transition from the corporate realm to entrepreneurship can be a solitary and intimidating experience for many business owners. According to Cartin, the corporate environment includes daily interactions with others, ranging from casual greetings to impromptu discussions at the water cooler. However, when entrepreneurs take the leap to start their ventures, often from the comfort of their homes, the stark reality of isolation sets in. The sense of loneliness mirrors the pandemic’s remote work era, highlighting the broader shift in work culture from in-person to working from home.

Cartin articulates the challenges faced by entrepreneurs when isolated and underscores the paramount importance of joining a business community at any stage of their business venture. The solitude experienced while working from home can be mitigated by becoming part of a community that provides networking opportunities, the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and the ability to seek advice from those who have navigated similar journeys.

Recognizing the imperative need for a supportive community, Cartin took the initiative to establish The Entrepreneurista League. The endeavor was driven by her desire to provide resources and tools that she wished were available when setting out on her entrepreneurial journey over a decade ago. The community serves as a comprehensive platform, bringing together founders and entrepreneurs to share their diverse experiences and insights. The Entrepreneurista League functions as a hub where members can seek guidance on various challenges, ranging from bookkeeping and finances to regulatory matters, thereby fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Mentorship emerges as another vital cornerstone in entrepreneurship, offering access to individuals who have triumphantly established themselves in business. The benefits extend beyond emotional support, encompassing practical aspects such as business education, marketing tips, financial guidance, and more. Business communities provide a centralized space for entrepreneurs to access a myriad of resources efficiently, saving time and ensuring that they are not alone in their journey.

For those hesitant to join a business community, Cartin encourages individuals to engage with current members, learn from their experiences, and explore the diversity of available networking groups. The Entrepreneurista League, adopting a hybrid model, offers both online networking and in-person events. Cartin advises aspiring entrepreneurs to dive in and get started, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge and resources available when one taps into a supportive community.

Cartin’s advice speaks to the universal truth that it is essential to take that first step. In the entrepreneurship sphere, initiating into a business community opens doors to a wealth of knowledge and resources. The journey becomes less daunting, and the sense of isolation fades away as entrepreneurs connect, learn, and thrive together, creating a collaborative ecosystem that propels each member toward success.

January 3, 2024