Entrepreneurship In Action
Hands-On Startup Experience: Learning Through Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This year-long course immerses students in the real experience of launching a startup company. Working in teams, students gain hands-on exposure to every aspect of building a venture, from idea development to customer validation and execution. They are encouraged to take risks, learn from failure, and continuously refine their approach. Along the way, students develop critical skills in leadership, communication, and team dynamics while building high-performing teams. The course offers a uniquely rigorous, experiential learning environment and has received extensive local and national media recognition.
Application Required. Email Morgan Kerfeld ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
From Concept to Launch: A Journey in Business Creation
During the fall semester, student teams develop, evaluate, and test potential business opportunities, ultimately selecting a venture to pursue, identifying required resources, and building a clear plan for launch. In the spring semester, teams execute on that plan by launching the business, developing and selling initial products or services, testing key assumptions, and establishing a path forward for continued growth. Throughout the year, students receive support from Carlson faculty, experienced entrepreneurs, and a network of professional service providers, including attorneys and bankers, while also having access to up to $15,000 in funding and dedicated workspace within the school, creating a fully immersive startup experience.
Hear From EIA Alumni & Instructors
Students from this course have gone on to launch successful startups, found venture capital firms, lead accelerators, work for leading technology corporations and attend virtually every leading graduate business, law and medical school.
Sante
Concept to launch of a natural and no-fat line of yogurt products in 109 days, producing in a commercial kitchen and distributing through local retailers.
MPLS Cider
Completed production run of 1,500 cases of hard cider, distributing through 100+ liquor retailers. Opened NE Minneapolis taproom in April 2019.
Nesel
Designed first backpack for children on autism spectrum, completing $35,000 Kickstarter campaign to fund production and sale of initial 300 backpacks.
Sponsors
State Farm has generously sponsored this unique experiential course since 2006! Thank you!
