UM’S ‘THE LAUNCH PAD’ CELEBRATES GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK WITH KICK-OFF OF NEW SPORTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
CORAL GABLES, FL (November 6, 2009) – The Launch Pad, the University of Miami’s interdisciplinary entrepreneurship resource center based at the Toppel Career Center, marks Global Entrepreneurship Week with several events November 16 – 20 that are geared towards exposing students and alumni to furthering their goals.
Opening day will feature Dana White, entrepreneur and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This student athlete event will be the kick-off for a new program being introduced by The Launch Pad, in partnership with the University of Miami’s Athletic Department – “Teaching Entrepreneurship to Athletes through Mentoring (TEAM).” This program is the first of its kind, preparing student athletes for life after sports with an entrepreneurship mindset.
“The statistics are staggering, with almost 80% of NFL players and 60% of NBA players either bankrupt or in financial distress only a few years after retirement. Dana White is a perfect example of an athlete who turned his passion into incredible success in business,” says Dr. Susan Amat, executive director of The Launch Pad. “We are thrilled to have him inspire our athletes to dream – and execute – big.”
Through this innovative program, The Launch Pad will provide student athletes with access to needed business resources, along with the skills necessary to prepare them for properly planning for their financial futures. Student athletes who “go pro” will be paired with a mentor, a current or ex-pro himself, to help with the transition. The Launch Pad will work with these students by encouraging them to make the right choices early on in order to cement the foundation needed to continue their success after they have left the field, court, or track.
During Global Entrepreneurship Week millions of people will join a growing movement of innovative thinkers to promote entrepreneurial activities around the world. Administered globally by the Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., the mission of Global Entrepreneurship Week is to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity.
At the Launch Pad, which opened at the beginning of the Fall 2008 semester, participants learn that entrepreneurship is a career choice, and one that can be started right away. The Center offers guidance in learning business basics, developing your ideas, networking with industry experts and investors, and strategizing to take your venture to the next level.
All of the events during Global Entrepreneurship Week are open to the public. The events surrounding this week are sponsored by the Miami Herald. A complete list can be found online at http://www.thelaunchpad.org/news-events
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The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of our diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu.
About The Launch Pad
The Launch Pad is the entrepreneurship resource component of the Toppel Career Center at the University of Miami. The Launch Pad presents entrepreneurship as a legitimate career path for students and helps both students and alumni create new enterprises, with a particular focus on the University’s home in South Florida. The Launch Pad’s regular and ongoing programming provides advice and guidance; connects ideas, people and resources; and builds relationships within the local business community. The Launch Pad was the top-ranked U.S. Global Entrepreneurship Week partner in 2008. For more information, visit www.thelaunchpad.org.
DANA WHITE EVENTs, Monday November 16th
T.E.A.M. Initiative kick-off
1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
The Launch Pad and the University of Miami Athletic Department Presents Mr. Dana White
Location: Hecht Varsity Athletic Center, University of Miami
Audience: University of Miami Student Athletes
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
The Launch Pad Presents Mr. Dana White
Location: Gusman Auditorium at University of Miami
Audience: University of Miami Student Body; South Florida MMA Enthusiasts; South Florida Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Amore
eamore@miami.edu
305-284-5500