Taylor: Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well | News, Sports, Jobs

Last week, I had the privilege of being a judge at Weber State University’s Wildcat MicroFund event, where budding entrepreneurs shared big visions for a chance to be awarded up to $9,000 in seed funding for their businesses. Watching people passionately present their ideas is always awesome, but the event made me admire even more those who chase their dreams. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your passion, and much more to pitch your business to a panel of judges.

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in divisions and to get discouraged. Everything feels so polarized. However, seeing people develop ideas into technology that can significantly impact the world gives me a sense of hope. I interact daily with faculty, staff and students who dream up new and innovative ideas, and it’s always fascinating to see the potential in each one.

The Wildcat MicroFund pitch event is an excellent example of how a supportive community can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their ideas and receive valuable feedback. As a judge, I saw firsthand the dedication and hard work these individuals poured into their projects, as each pitch showcased the entrepreneurs’ passion and perseverance.

One of the most remarkable things about the event was the diversity of ideas presented. From tech startups to social enterprises, the range of projects demonstrated such creativity and ingenuity. Each participant had clearly thought a lot about 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, yet 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 grit 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, I could provide feedback to participants. It was a rewarding experience to offer advice and encouragement, and I was impressed by their willingness to listen and learn, and their eagerness to take their 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’s 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 proved to me, once again, the importance of pursuing our dreams and the impact we can have when we’re passionate about what we do. I look forward to seeing the future successes and impacts these entrepreneurs and businesses will have on the world, starting right here in Utah.

James Taylor is the executive director of innovation, commercialization, sponsored projects and research at Weber State University.

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