Entrepreneurship program at Columbia College

The Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship at Columbia College helps students identify and secure resources needed to create new businesses or improve existing ones. It promotes experiential learning based on classroom instruction, internships and mentoring.

Student Pitch Competition

The Student Business Pitch Competition at Columbia College allows students to develop and present business ideas for cash awards. Students studying on campus, online or at any location may participate. Up to ten entries are selected to be presented publicly at The Pitch Competition online or on campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Mentoring

The Fishman Center believes that mentors are key to the success of potential student entrepreneurs. With this in mind, we have a robust mentoring network of professionals for Columbia College students.

Mentors are people in our lives more experienced than ourselves. They are individuals who teach something new, challenge creativity, form a lasting friendship, or simply express an interest in the personal and professional development of an emerging individual. A mentor may open the mentored person’s eyes to the world, help them find a different path, aid them to realize potential, or even kick a little butt when it needs to be kicked.

Mentors support student entrepreneurs through the following:

• Share information through their knowledge, experience and wisdom.
• Provide valuable contacts and introductions.
• Build confidence and stimulate curiosity.
• Share stories of achievements and trials.
• Help set goals.
• Assist in identifying key resources.
• Ask tough, yet thoughtful questions.

Contact the Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship for more information.

About the Fishmans

Steve Fishman is former CEO of Big Lots, Inc. Fishman is a former Columbia College trustee, and he and his wife, Barbara, are both Columbia College alumni.

Join them and make a donation to support student entrepreneurs.