McDowell Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship

The McDowell Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship is an immersive four-day experience designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. This hands-on program equips participants with tools, strategies, and connections to grow their venture.

Program Overview

The program is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to turn passion into progress. It covers key areas such as:

• Think Like a Founder: Master design thinking and creative problem solving to develop customer-centered solutions.
• Strategic Planning for Growth: Learn how to overcome common business hurdles and position your venture for sustainable expansion.
• Modern Marketing Tactics: Get practical insights into using social media and AI technology to reach and retain your ideal customers.
• Leverage Community Resources: Discover the free support available to Tennessee entrepreneurs and how to access legal guidance tailored to small businesses.

Program Details

• Dates: July 7-10
• Times: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM CST
• Price: $1000
• Delivery: Half-day, in-person sessions
• Location: Miller Executive Education Center, Room 1108
• Address: 503 E Bell Street | Murfreesboro, TN | 37130

Key Takeaways

This interactive experience will empower participants to:

• Apply design thinking to real-world business challenges
• Create a strategy to scale their business efficiently
• Leverage AI and social media tools for modern marketing
• Connect with legal and small business experts
• Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and educators
• Build their network with fellow founders and mentors

Certificate of Completion

Upon completing the institute, participants will receive a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from MTSU's Jones College of Business.

Instructors

The program is led by a team of experienced instructors, including:

• Dr. Kristen Shanine
• Dr. Josh Aaron
• Dr. Raj Srivastava
• Dr. Joshua Phillips
• Brent Taylor
• Dr. Patrick R. Geho
• Galen Longo

Sponsor

The McDowell Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship is sponsored by Chuck McDowell and Wesley, LLC. Chuck McDowell is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of proven success, and his support reflects his lifelong commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and giving back to the MTSU community.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.