Today Limestone Ventures (Dickinson College’s entrepreneurial
society) finds itself well immersed in its second year of operations. A large group of students and myself founded the
organization in the fall of last year so students would have an outlet to discuss
business. Shortly thereafter we began
discussing the possibilities of launching our own business ventures, or at least learn
about the process. The goal was to combine
the resources of Dickinson (liberal arts thinking, professors, etc.) with the business
community at large.
The results are staggering; the original vision—a forum to
discuss business—has grown significantly to encompass an annual lecture series,
networking sessions with local employers, and the LV Business Plan Competition. Following our panel event on Business and
Education in the New Economy, Forbes.com praised our ability to bring “three of
the nation’s leading young entrepreneurs to the middle of Pennsylvania.” We were the only student organization invited to
participate in former Governor Ridge’s “Brain Gain” initiative, as well as
being represented in a series of discussions with central Pennsylvania business leaders
and gubernatorial candidates.
Then there is the Business Plan Competition, which forms the
cornerstone of our mission: promoting entrepreneurial awareness, education, and action. Last year’s winners received $3,000 in cash
prizes; all participants received written feedback from qualified judges (area business
owners and venture capitalists, faculty). Educational
seminars covering product development, financials, and other aspects of the business plan
were conducted to aid students throughout the writing process.
In briefly writing about the progress we’re making as an
organization I’m reminded that none of it would be possible without the support of
Dickinson, the school’s alumni, and central Pennsylvania’s business men and
women. I know what we’re doing is
important and it’s clear this is just the beginning.
If you’re interested in becoming a member or contributing in some way
please do not hesitate to call or email us any time.
You can also visit us online at http://www.dickinson.edu/lv
Regards,
Luke Fronefield
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