Browsing by Subject "Entrepreneurs"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Becoming aware of and learning how to navigate the SBIR program: the entrepreneurs‘ perspectives.
    (2011-04) Sarvela, Pamela M.
    Little is known about how much technological innovation is lost in the United States because technology entrepreneurs do not have the financial capability for the research and development necessary to bring an idea to a commercial level. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is part of a national innovation system developed to support research and development efforts for technological innovation by small business. The program is national in purpose, but regionally distributed. The old adage of the rich get richer and the poor get poorer seems to hold true with 56% of SBIR awards going to the same handful of states since the genesis of the program. This study explored the phenomenon of how entrepreneurs in Minnesota learned to navigate the SBIR program by interviewing six entrepreneurs who had experienced various levels of success. Intellectual capital—human, social, organization learning—served as the thread woven through all aspects of the participants learning how to navigate the SBIR program. As the stories unfolded, the participants description of learning by ―doing it‖ revealed the complexity of the interrelationships; and an adaptable and flexible learning style which Kolb (1984) refers to as learning in a holistic way.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Sustainable Career Management for the Visual Artist: An Innovative Prototype
    (2013-10-01) Hendricks, Jo Ann
    In order for visual art students to be successful as professionals post-graduation there needs to be a career plan initiated early in the arts curriculum of the post secondary visual arts education system. Directed by the student and supported by the institution, career management is critical for the sustainability of a visual arts career. Using the design thinking process, this study collected and analyzed data from surveys and interviews with students, arts administrators, professional artists, and subject experts in the Twin Cities area. Focusing on current career development coursework, topics, timing, and definitions of success for the visual artist, this study examines what is being provided now, what needs to be provided, and offers an innovative prototype for the sustainable career management for the visual artist. Reflecting on the changes in the visual arts profession, this study concludes that visual artists must not only be committed and disciplined in their arts practices, but also entrepreneurial in addressing social and cultural issues in a global world.