Photo provided, Weber State University.
James Taylor
Last week, I had the privilege of judging at Weber State University’s Wildcat MicroFund event, where budding entrepreneurs shared big visions for a chance to receive up to $9,000 in seed funding for their businesses. Seeing people passionately present their ideas is always wonderful, but the event made me admire those who pursue their dreams even more. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your passion and even more to present your business to a panel of judges.
In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in divisions and become discouraged. Everything feels so polarized. However, seeing people develop ideas in technology that can significantly impact the world gives me a sense of hope. I interact daily with faculty, staff, and students who come up with new and innovative ideas, and it is always fascinating to see the potential in each one.
The Wildcat MicroFund pitch event is a great example of how a supportive community can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback. As a judge, I saw firsthand the dedication and hard work these people put into their projects, as each proposal showed the passion and perseverance of the entrepreneurs.
One of the most notable things about the event was the diversity of ideas presented. From tech startups to social enterprises, the variety of projects demonstrated so much creativity and ingenuity. Clearly, each participant had put a lot of thought into their business plan and had a clear vision of how their idea could make a difference in the world.
It was particularly moving to see participants who had overcome significant challenges to be there. For some, English was not their first language, but they presented their ideas to the panel with confidence, reminding me that entrepreneurship is not just about having a great idea; It’s also about having the courage to pursue it despite the obstacles.
The event also highlighted the importance of community support in fostering entrepreneurship. The Wildcat MicroFund provides financial support, mentorship and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. That support is crucial for early-stage startups, which often face many challenges as they try to get off the ground. The MicroFund helps nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Weber State and beyond by providing a supportive environment.
As a judge, you could provide feedback to the participants. It was a rewarding experience offering advice and encouragement, and I was impressed by her willingness to listen and learn, and her enthusiasm for taking her ideas to the next level.
But I also learned a lot from them. Their creativity and innovative thinking were genuinely inspiring. It was a reminder that there is always something new to learn and that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. It reinforced my belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change and create a better future.
The event showed me, once again, the importance of pursuing our dreams and the impact we can have when we are passionate about what we do. I look forward to seeing the future successes and impacts these entrepreneurs and companies will have on the world, starting here in Utah.
James Taylor is the executive director of innovation, commercialization, sponsored projects and research at Weber State University.
Newsletter
Join thousands of people who already receive our daily newsletter.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow @Keynote USA Local on Twitter.