Build the Enterprise
Southern Vermont College's approach to education encourages students to try out in the real world concepts and knowledge gained in the classroom. SVC's Build the Enterprise program exemplifies this approach.
The program offers students the chance to learn by doing: To apply the concepts learned in their study of the marketplace by creating and running a business of their own. The enterprises could be, for example, in retail, computer software or health care. Successful proposals will be funded through a Venture Fund with a $100,000 minimum in capitalization.
SVC President Karen Gross describes Build the Enterprise as one of several new academic initiatives designed to animate classroom instruction with real life experiences. You can listen to an interview with President Gross talking about Build the Enterprise during a segment on Skye Radio, broadcast on American Airlines flights. Listen to Skye Radio interview now.
The program has also earned the endorsement of local businesses and business leaders. Each year the Bennington County Industrial Corporation (BCIC) will award $1,500 to the enterprise deemed by a panel of the BCIC leadership most likely to succeed.
This initiative is available to students enrolled at SVC in Fall 2008. In addition to faculty, business leaders will also advise and mentor students' progress throughout the process, providing networking opportunities, inspiration and advice based on experience.
The creation of an enterprise will typically be conducted by a team of students, discovering and making real-world business decisions. The Venture Fund will provide seed money for businesses deemed to be viable. In the last phase of the program, businesses can be sold and 50 percent of the profits will be shared among team members.
Expert Mentors Will Guide You
Business leaders will support your efforts through ongoing advising and mentoring. Local and national business leaders, including SVC alumni, will share their expertise with you. Mentors will help SVC students grow their businesses through active involvement and hands-on instruction.
Voices of Experts
"Theory is fascinating. Experience is priceless. Combining the two of them into an undergraduate business education is a rare and special opportunity. And that's the opportunity offered by the Build the Enterprise program at Southern Vermont College." - Fred Poses, Chairman and CEO, American Standard Companies
"SVC's experiential learning approach will allow the students to see how theory is applied and they will leave college with 'real world experience' that will allow them to become more successful...faster!" - John Max Miller, SVC Class of '83, Founder and General Manager @utoRevenue
"Do your research thoroughly and figure out your strategy as best you can - but then as Tom Peters says, 'do it, try it, and fix it' - and don't be afraid of the uncertainty along the way." - Ira J. Wagner, SVC Class of '81, Chief Operating Officer, American Capital
