Bruce Leech
Executive Director
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Greetings. I hope everyone is enjoying Fall and getting ready for Thanksgiving. This time of year, I always stop and reflect on what I am thankful for. This year, I am thankful we have made it through the pandemic together. While we still have to stay safe, it was certainly a difficult year but a year where a lot of people came together to support each other. I am also thankful for the students back in the classroom as they continue to give me great energy and hope for a bright future, despite the difficulties we all had during the pandemic. I am also thankful for some inspirational leaders like Michael Dell, who started his computer business in his dorm with $1,000. I came across some of his business philosophies that I wanted to share. It is a long list but I wanted to include those ideas that I really believe are important for an entrepreneur to be successful.
- Curiosity. It’s so important to always be learning. You want to have big ears. To listen, to learn, and to be curious. To be open to ambiguity. Design your product or service in the eyes of the customer first.
- Commitment, drive, grit, determination, perseverance, indomitable will. You must have these qualities in order to win.
- Try never to be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, inspire you, and push you to be your best. And learn to recognize and appreciate people’s different talents.
- Trustworthiness, ethics and integrity are paramount. You can’t be successful over time without these values.
- Be willing to take risks, experiment and test things. As the rate of change increases, small experiments will build a path to success.
- Never let a good crisis go to waste, like a pandemic! During a crisis, focus on what you can control. Crises often create new opportunities. Instead of wallowing in your problems, find the opportunity.
- Humility, openness, fairness and authenticity. Have respect for others. And treat them as you want to be treated.
- The rate of change is only increasing. It will not slow down in the future.
- Success is a horrible teacher. Setbacks and failures make you stronger over time — if you let yourself learn from them.
- Find purpose and passion in your life. Be part of something greater than yourself.
So, that should give you some things to reflect upon while eating turkey! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving as we are thankful for all of you!
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The CEC is excited to launch the Social Impact Incubator (SII) in the winter of 2022 (January 24 - March 7, 2022) at DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd, Suite 7900.
Social impact entrepreneurs pay close attention to how their businesses affect and benefit others. As an in-person incubator program, we will provide a space and resources for the participating entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses.
Our pilot incubator program will boost the success of entrepreneurial ventures, owned by DePaul students, alumni, and community members. Participants will have the opportunity to work with cohort peers, DePaul faculty, mentors, student interns and expert entrepreneurs, to further develop their social impact businesses.
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Applications close Nov 25th! |
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To view the DePaul Entrepreneurship Blog |
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To sign up for the CEC Mentorship Program |
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On November 9th, the CEC took DePaul students to 1871 for a private tour and to learn about the resources this unique incubator has to offer for startups. Thank you to everyone who participated! Students from every college across the university are welcome to apply to participate in 1871's programs and events. To learn more about 1871 and to get involved, email us at cec@depaul.edu.
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RECAP: CEC's Welcome Back Expo |
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Our Welcome Back Expo took place on October 19th and was a huge success! At our Expo, attendees learned more about the CEC's upcoming programs and events, resources for entrepreneurs such as CEO and Net Impact student organizations, and successful entrepreneurship stories from our DePaul student and alumni startups: DeoBlock, Cocktail Claw & Reusabowl. Thank you to all who showcased and attended! To learn more about CEC events and programs, visit us at cec.depaul.edu
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Crosslyne Digital Marketing Intern |
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Julie Crosson, Founder of Crosslyne is looking for an intern to help with marketing! Crosslyne is a line of handcrafted statement jewelry. Your main focus will be on expanding wholesale and retail presence, increasing brand awareness, investigating new customer acquisition strategies, media opportunities, influencer relationships and email or media campaigns. If you are interested in learning more about the position and applying, please email: edoyle14@depaul.edu
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The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center has curated a list of external and university-wide resources with the latest events, competitions, programs, incubators and more for small businesses and entrepreneurs. |
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1871 hosts Early Stage Info Session.This program shows startup founders all of the resources 1871 has to offer. Sign up and learn more about how 1871 can help your business.
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2112 is Chicago’s first business incubator focused on the development of entrepreneurs in music, film/video and creative industry-focused technologies.
All DePaul students and faculty have access to our office space and programming at 2112.
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ISTC is a member-driven nonprofit organization that cultivates technology-based economic development throughout Illinois, offering mentorship programs and startup challenges for students and entrepreneurs. All DePaul students & faculty have access to their programming and events.
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