The Clapp Entrepreneurial Opportunity Initiative
Do you dream of owning your own business, or teaming up with others to start a new enterprise? The Clapp Entrepreneurial Opportunity Initiative (CEO) offers training and support to help make that dream a reality. Individuals and teams participating in the CEO Initiative will:
- Become proficient in advanced business principles and business model development during the Fall semester. Extensive required attention and search in this semester will involve the confirmation of your Value Proposition and your unique Customer Segment(s). This will be accomplished through a series of eight, once a week workshops and initial establishment of who your potential customers are. Critically important to establish here is an “entrepreneurial mindset”. This phase will be accomplished via the “Who Owns The Ice House” program.
- In the eight week Spring Semester program you will continue to confirm your Value Proposition in relation to your Customer Segments. Much of your work done will be to determine the validity of your business proposition, market positioning, competitive positioning and quantitative financial prospects.
- At the end of this program you will have developed the beginnings of a validated business model. This model and plan may be presented to program judges as part of the program competition.
CEO Competition Awards
Winners of the CEO Initiative competition can receive up to $10,000. Should there be more than one winner, program judges will determine the allocation of winnings based on stage of development, completeness of business model and plan, completeness of the management team, and viability of the business model.
All Participants will have access to computer access during business hours (8:00 am through 6:00 pm), Monday through Friday while the campus is open. Confidential counseling will be made available to all participants before, during and after participating in this initiative.
Selection for the CEO Initiative
CEO participants are selected through an application process. You may apply as a single entrepreneur or as a team. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but the CEO Initiative begins each fall.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
The CEO Initiative is open to the general public as well as any current ACC student, faculty or staff.
Apply for the CEO Initiative today.