Mass Company Chosen for Obama Initiative

Posted: February 3, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Entrepreneurship, Small Businesses, Start-ups | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“We’re a nation that says, I might not have a lot of money, but I have this great idea for a new company …. We do big things.”

The above statement is excerpted from President Obama’s 2011 State of the Union address, in which he referenced America’s history and future as a global leader in both innovation and entrepreneurship.

More big things are happening in the world of entrepreneurship (and Massachusetts) with the announcement that the White House has named MassChallenge Startup Competition and Accelerator as one of the most promising initiatives for supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs in the U.S. The White House also announced MassChallenge as a partner in the new Startup America Partnership, a White House initiative to reward and inspire entrepreneurship across the nation.

The United States does big things, indeed. And surprisingly, Obama is actually doing something to support entrepreneurs, rather than just saying he will.

The Startup American Partnership is an independent entity, co-funded by the Kauffman Foundation and the Case Foundation, focused on reviving America’s small business climate by promoting entrepreneurship and small business growth, leveling barriers to success for entrepreneurs and small businesses and investing in green technology. The partnership was jump-started on Monday with a week-long series of events encouraging U.S. businesses to invest in smaller firms. Leading corporations like Facebook, Intel, HP and IBM pledged to increase their investments within startup companies.

MassChallenge, located in Boston, tries to connect entrepreneurs with resources they need in order to launch and succeed by running an annual global startup competition, compiling key resources and organizing networking and training events.

As a partner of the Startup American Partnership, MassChallenge will continue to engage in a coordinated effort attempting to bring together and promote entrepreneurs, organizations, universities and other leaders throughout the country, while working with federal agencies to increase the presence and success of American entrepreneurs.

MassChallenge will occur this year on March 8, 2011.

Photo Credit to ceslava.com via Creative Commons. Some rights reserved.

Obama Gives a Shout-Out to Entrepreneurs in SOTU

Posted: January 27, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Entrepreneurship, New Businesses, Small Businesses | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Entrepreneurs got a big “thumbs up” from President Obama during the State of the Union address on Tuesday night, motivating entrepreneurs and small business owners to continue turning their ideas into successful companies. Those in need of a recap online can refer to this article from the Entrepreneur Daily Dose that breaks down what Obama had to say regarding entrepreneurialism.

Among Obama’s discussion about investment in biomedical research and clean energy technology, as well as defending the health care law, most viewers were most interested in what he had to say about economic recovery. To address the failing economy, Obama recalled the 1950s “space race” which created millions of jobs through new spending in research and education, citing it the “Sputnik moment” of our generation.

Also while addressing the issue of the struggling economy, Obama emphasized the role small-businesses and entrepreneurs aiming to create businesses could potentially have on the economy. ‘Small businesses can do big things‘ seemed to be the theme of the night.

“In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives. It is how we make our living.”

Referring to the success of small-business owners (as many entrepreneurs are) as an important “measuring stick” that will help get the economy out of its slump, he went on to stress the opportunities Americans have, and the potential for Americans to turn their ideas into profitable businesses (that can, in turn, help jump-start the economy).

“We measure the progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer. By the prospects of a small business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving enterprise. By the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to our children.“

He then went on to motivate Americans who have big ideas even more, stating that America has more inventors and entrepreneurs who are creating successful companies, gaining grants and being awarded patents than any other country. And that, is why it is a great time to be an entrepreneur — even the president thinks so!

Photo credit to Robert Couse-Baker