The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Emerging minds get help

By using the many local resources available for entrepreneurs, jump-starting a career or landing a successful job is just around the corner.One such resource is the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET).VCET, which opened in 2005, is an independent nonprofit agency that is affiliated with the University of Vermont, along with other Vermont colleges, like Champlain College, according to the VCET website.Essentially, the center is an incubator that serves all of Vermont under a mandate to increase technology startups and accelerate next generation job creation for this generation of Vermonters, VCET Vice President Daniel Rosenfeld said. “I see VCET as a positive outlet for future business students here at UVM,” sophomore business major Brittany Smith said. “It can only aid in our success.”Attaining higher education plays a critical role in the promotion of an advanced economy in Vermont, so VCET seeks to make a variety of professional, trained interns and collegiate resources available to those wishing to take their careers to the next level, according to its website.”The center provides an ecosystem for early stage businesses helping them grow and succeed in Vermont,” Director of Client Programs Scott Bailey said. Bailey, who joined forces with VCET in October 2009, received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Vermont in Spring 2009.  While studying at UVM, Bailey co-founded the Entrepreneurship Club because he wanted to bring experience to the area from local businessmen and women, he said.  “I started this club in order to bring in entrepreneurs throughout the area to talk about their experiences starting companies,” Bailey said. Bailey brought in President Alan Newman of Magic Hat and Jerry Greenfield from Ben & Jerry’s as they both work for businesses that began as small, grassroots endeavors, he said. Both Newman and Greenfield delivered insightful information for students seeking successful business opportunities, Bailey said.Not only does the Entrepreneurship Club help bring students and local entrepreneurs together to hear inspiring stories, but also to ask questions and raise awareness of the various opportunities that are made available to future entrepreneurs, according to its website.Bailey brought entrepreneurs and faculty together to enlighten UVM on their past experiences and projects they are involved with during the National Entrepreneurs Week last April, he said. “The chance for all of us to interact with so many different people from different parts of the entrepreneurial community was really interesting and fun,” business professor Bret Golann said. Students who attended National Entrepreneurs Week agreed. “I think the campus activities that were going on during the National Entrepreneurs week really helped me to see what the entrepreneurship and business world is all about,” junior Laura Richards said. Others agreed that the presence of local resources for entrepreneurs is beneficial and will provide opportunities for the future.”I am so glad that we have programs like VCET and the Entrepreneurship Club available to us,” sophomore Tom Briggs said.

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Emerging minds get help