Entrepreneurship at Mason

Organizations that host events:

The Business Alliance of George Mason University
When you join the Business Alliance, you gain access to a remarkable resource that will help you strengthen and grow your business or organization. Among the privileges of memberships is the opportunity to influence and mentor a new generation of business leaders. Join today and contribute to a better tomorrow! Sample of events:

• Grubstake Breakfast: The longest running networking and investors forum of its kind in the region, the Grubstake Breakfast provides early stage companies seeking focused growth capital in the range of $250,000 - $2 million a forum to present their investment opportunities to targeted audience of institutional and angel investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and service providers.
• Bootcamp for Growing Companies & Entrepreneurs: This annual event brings experienced entrepreneurs to Mason who cover topics such as growing your firm, managing human capital, sales & marketing, and presenting new market opportunities to attendees.

The Mason Enterprise Center
The Mason Enterprise Center offers expert consultation and training to the region's small business owners and entrepreneurs through a wide array of programs. MEC sponsors conferences, workshops, and executive education programs for the region's business leaders. Sample of events:

• The Fairfax Small Business Development Center: The Fairfax Small Business Development Center provides business assistance, counseling and training to growing companies and aspiring entrepreneurs. Monthly seminars cover Business Topics, and Start-Up Topics. Visit: www.sbdc.org

Community Business Partnership
Created in 1995, the Community Business Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. It was formed in response to an identified need for small business technical assistance and financing services, particularly to low-moderate income and disadvantaged individuals, including minorities, women and the disabled. While providing high quality training and counseling to all small businesses, the Partnership seeks to provide a financing alternative to benefit those unable to attract a commercial loan or other traditional source of funds. The partnership works in collaboration with the Mason Enterprise Center. The CBP provides several FREE seminars to help you start a business. Sample of programs:

• Small Business Resources: This is the place to start! Our FREE one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business!
• ABC's of Starting a Business: Get the tools to successfully start and grow your small business including topics such as: What does it take to be an entrepreneur? Where do you get licensed and registered? How do you select the right legal form for your business? Where can you get money for start up? What's a business plan and why do you need one? How do our classes and free counseling work? And much, much more!
• Options for Funding: Do you need financing for your small business? Learn about the different ways of getting that important start up capital. Traditional bank loans, microloans and the SBA SOHO (Small Office Home Office) program will be explained in detail.