I would be remiss not to applaud the amazing efforts of UNH to create, in a sense, its own “start-up” with the launch the COVID-19 testing lab on campus and all of the processes associated with making it work. This commitment helps allow students to be on campus with in-person, albeit restricted, education and experiences. While the ECenter is not physically open to groups of students this semester, it is with this commitment of the COVID-19 testing lab that leads me to offer in-person meetings (with safety protocols).

The way that Kikori came about is one of the classic reasons that companies are born - I had a need and then it turned out it wasn't just me! As a School Social Worker, teachers often came to me for support for their students' social emotional needs and classroom climate issues, and I knew the power of these activities in building students' self-awareness and connections. Teachers loved doing activities that built community, however they didn't have time as they had so many different pressures on them from standards they had to meet. Following a survey of 120 educators, we found that while teachers believed that experiential education practices were important, they had difficulty using the techniques due to lack of time for planning and with students, lack of knowledge on how to facilitate, and a lack of resources.

The process of Kikori coming to life definitely wasn't overnight and definitely was full of learning experiences. Following the course, I began a Master's program in Experiential Education with Carla Hacker, which is where I met my partner, Bryn Lottig.

I can't say enough about the ways the ECenter has helped my team and me grow Kikori. Ian Grant supported me weekly by providing coaching on all areas of entrepreneurship including creating a business plan, learning how to create a proforma, and supporting me in learning how to present a pitch. Through the ECenter, we were able to participate in the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program under the direction of Ian Grant, Andrew Earle, Marc Sedam, Beth Sheckler and Maithili Shroff. During this program, my team conducted fifty discovery interviews with educators and developed our value proposition. I received invaluable advice from UNH Alumni and successful entrepreneurs including David Shaw and Fred Forsley. The ECenter supported Kikori through the work study program during which Daniel McCarthy supported our app development. We participated in and won first place in the Social Venture Innovation Challenge and Holloway Prize Competition. I was also able to support undergraduate entrepreneurs through judging the Maurice Prize Competition. We participated in the Paid Student Internship at Start-Ups Program. One of the best things about the ECenter was also the ability to connect with other student entrepreneurs who are making incredible ideas come to life.

One of the highlights of my year was working with an incredible UNH student, Kelsie Dawe, through the Paid Student Internship at Start-Ups Program. Kelsie was a huge asset to our team and served as a reminder about the importance of empowering our youth and how much we can learn from each other, regardless of age. She brought wisdom, ideas, exemplary work ethic and a positive attitude that will always remain a part of our Kikori Story.

As someone who had next to zero business and pitching experience, participating was definitely out of my comfort zone. However, during each step of the way, as long as my team and I put in the work (which yes, included some crazy long nights!), there was someone on the other side (Ian Grant, judges, other students) who were there with encouragement and counsel. Because of the requirements for the competitions, we were able to produce a high quality pitch deck and learn how to present Kikori. After each round, we gained feedback and insight to help us grow by experts in the field. Through these competitions, we found mentors, advisors, and teammates!

The ECenter has certainly impacted me for life. Through the ECenter's programs and guidance, I have grown my social entrepreneurship knowledge base as well as my ability to share the Kikori vision with others in a way that is understandable, inspirational, and impactful.

A lot of people think the idea of entrepreneurship can be scary (at least I did!), however we all have to start somewhere. If you have (literally) ANY idea that you care about, especially one that may make the world a better place, the ECenter has a program to support you. There are ways to get involved with others who have ideas, workshops, coaching, work study jobs, internships, hackathons, support with copyright, and people who can help you figure out your thoughts! The most important thing at the ECenter isn't the product - it's the process. The ECenter will support you in learning and personal growth that you can then apply to any area of your life.

Please register via the UNH Connect page here.