UW Oshkosh SBDC adds well known program for strategic planning, benchmarking
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI)
Student Design Lab
The Student Design Lab is a University of Wisconsin Oshkosh initiative to increase entrepreneurial awareness among undergraduate and graduate students. In collaboration with the UW Oshkosh College of Business and Small Business Development Center, the Student Design Lab is focused on giving students the resources necessary to help launch successful businesses.
Student Space
Students wishing to have access to either of these options will need to fill out and submit this application, upon approval you will have access.
Application
Utilizing creative space and traditional office space, the Student Design Lab will offer students the opportunity to work on their business ideas, collaborate with other student entrepreneurs, or hold team meetings. Students will have the option to work in two different working environments;
Option One:
Sage Hall room 2617: An open, creative space that is equipped with whiteboards, chairs, tables, an entrepreneurial library, and a coffee pot.
Option Two:
Sage Hall room 1614C is a traditional office space environment with access to:
- Cubicle space
- Computers
- SBDC counselor's
- Printing services
- Online software programs which include:
- accounting software
- and some sort of publishing software.
- Growth Wheel will be accessible through Colleen Merrill.
Student Business Model Competition
UW Oshkosh students will have the opportunity to enter a business model competition that will allow them to: pitch their business ideas to a panel of distinguished entrepreneurs, CEO's, venture capitalists, angel investors, and executives. Students will be required to assemble a business model canvas as well as an executive summary of their business concept.
The top four students will be flown to Florida to pitch their business concept to a panel of judges. There, two students will be selected and given:
- $10,000 seed money
- Permanent desk space in the Small Business Development Center for one year
- Mentorship and advisement from:
- SBDC counselor's
- faculty/staff
- business executives and others
- Access to all the resources within the Small Business Development Center.
To learn more about this opportunity contact Colleen Merrill at (920) 424-1456 or e-mail merrillc@uwosh.edu.
"The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive in our College of Business students!"
Jessie Pondell, Professional Development Director
UW-Oshkosh
"Small business is the engine that drives our economy and we must continue to support business start-ups."
Rick Gudex, State Senator
"I believe a business design lab program would be extremely useful for future business leaders that make up the UW-Oshkosh student body."
Brian Will, UW-Oshkosh student
NxLeveL Business Plan Writing
There is no better way to achieve the dream of business ownership than by researching and writing a business plan. During this process, an entrepreneur can examine all the pros and cons of a business opportunity, analyze the consequences of different strategies and tactics, and determine the human and financial requirements for turning an inspired idea into a viable business venture. Studies show that entrepreneurs who complete business plans are six times more likely than others to build a successful small business.
Writing a business plan also teaches strategic thinking skills, which have important implications for virtually every aspect of our lives, including personal and family relationships, career planning, financial decisions and community involvement.
To learn how NxLeveL can help you start or grow your business, contact Colleen Merrill at (920) 424-1456 or e-mail merrillc@uwosh.edu.
