Why They Applied: Spring 2016 MadXLabs Teams

This past fall, the Center for Entrepreneurship began taking applications for their student business development program, MadXLabs (now MadInc). Of the eight applications received, the Center accepted four promising teams into the program, and invited two additional teams to join the program during the spring semester. The active membership of the spring 2016 MadXLabs cohort consisted of:

• University Customs LLC (3^rd place winners in the spring 2016 MGT 472 Startup Pitch competition)
• Arena LLC
• Be Free Beverages
• Clique, by Socialite LLC
• The Edge (2^nd place winners in BizBlitz 2016)

As part of the application process, applicants explained why they were interested in participating in the Center for Entrepreneurship program on their applications:

• “I recently started a new LLC with the focus on releasing a new product within the year. I’m looking for a space to conduct the developmental stages of the company and the product, while at the same time building my network of support. I could achieve directional help if/when I need it, as well as be a valuable resources for others in their developing stages.”
• “I would like to get support from more experienced mentors and classmates to move my [business idea] forward.”
• “I have spoken with Professor Mousa and Professor Hamilton numerous times and this seemed like a great fit. I already run a business, and a workspace just for the business would be really helpful for next semester!”
• “I really think that participating in the programs offered by the Center for Entrepreneurship will help me discover what I want to do and help me get involved with likeminded people.”
• “I am interested in participating in these programs because as the owner of a new startup I need to seek out every possible opportunity for improvement so that I can better both myself as a leader and the startup itself.”
• “I am currently working with two business partners…and would love to have more insight from other entrepreneurs that could help us along the way. I also love speaking to the people present in the Center for Entrepreneurs because everyone has such great ideas on different aspects of businesses and starting a business and it really helps me think more openly and creatively.”

Chad Hard (Management, 2016) met regularly with the venture teams to help them focus on their self-designed action plans. They met with business faculty as well as Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Eric Major, to answer critical questions to move their businesses forward. With discretionary funds, teams were able to develop prototypes and brand identities to continue testing the market and proving their concepts.

Applications for new student teams are now being accepted for fall 2017. Allison Zeppuhar (Computer Information Systems, 2017) will be the MadInc Manager, working under the guidance of a JMU alum (TBA).