New entrepreneur certificate program announced at Clemson at the Falls

CLEMSON, SC – August 18, 2011 – Clemson University is offering an eight-session course for entrepreneurs beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the McNair Law Firm on South Main Street in Greenville.

Sponsored and created by the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, SEED — Sustainable Entrepreneurs and Economic Development — classes will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every other Wednesday. Courses are designed to help entrepreneurs understand the business behind success. The program will draw on the experiences of local business leaders to help early-stage entrepreneurs build sustainable success.

Clemson Associate Dean for Greenville Greg Pickett encourages all early-stage entrepreneurs to participate.

“The program will provide a foundation of knowledge that is vital to any startup operation, but perhaps the most exciting aspect of the course is the opportunity for participants to pitch their idea to local business leaders,” Pickett said. “Their feedback and suggestions are invaluable and are sure to have a positive impact for any potential entrepreneur.”

The program is $199 and class size is limited to 25 participants. For information or to sign up, go to http://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/spiro/seed.html. The application deadline is Aug. 29.

Course topics include inside tips on defining business opportunities, ingredients for building a top management team and how to generate sustainable growth, as well as other key business lessons. Class moderators are Mark Roth from Teludyne Tech and Doug Kim with the McNair Law Firm.

Graduates will earn an entrepreneurship certificate from Clemson University and have the opportunity to pitch to successful business leaders during Pitch Night on Wednesday, Dec. 14.