Contact:
Barbara Pruitt, 816-932-1288, bpruitt@kauffman.org, Kauffman Foundation
Gary Schoeniger 440-255-8861, gary@elientrepreneur.com, ELI Entrepreneur
'Mindset: Tapping your entrepreneurial IQ' provides an inside look at the underlying beliefs that drive behavior that enables entrepreneurs to succeed
(KANSAS CITY, Mo.), Jan. 27, 2009 – The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has teamed up with The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) to offer "Mindset: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial IQ," a self-paced online learning program that enables aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from the firsthand knowledge and experience of successful real-world entrepreneurs.
Are entrepreneurs born with a unique gift? What is it that enables them to transform an idea into a successful new venture? What can we learn from their experience? Do I have what it takes to succeed? "Mindset" attempts to answer these questions and more, for the benefit of someone considering an entrepreneurial venture.
Based on more than 200 hours of on-camera interviews with a variety of successful entrepreneurs, including Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, E-Myth author Michael Gerber, Inc 500 winner Chuck Halberg, Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert, Emmy winner Jim Stovall, serial inventor John Osher and many others, "Mindset" provides an inside look at what it reallytakes to start and grow a successful new business.
"The mindset is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship, yet little is known about how ordinary people can find and apply these inner resources," said Thom Ruhe, director of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation. "This program draws from the knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs who share their perspectives and provide insights into the mindset that enabled them to succeed. It should be a pre-requisite for anyone considering an entrepreneurial venture."
In addition to the written and video content, "Mindset: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial IQ"includes recommended reading, additional resources and learning assessments as well as a certificate of completion. Students also have access to an online forum that enables them to connect and collaborate with experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world.
"Entrepreneurship can empower ordinary people to do extraordinary things," said ELI Founder and CEO Gary Schoeniger. "Experienced entrepreneurs can provide valuable knowledge and practical insight that go beyond what can be taught in a classroom. Our concept uses proven multimedia online learning management systems to transform the knowledge and experiences gathered from successful entrepreneurs into a series of powerful and engaging online learning programs."
The two-hour, 38-minute "Mindset" program currently is being offered free to the first 250 qualified applicants through a scholarship funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Applications are available at entrepreneurship.org.
About ELI
Established in 2007 to provide a comprehensive and scalable solution to the global demand for entrepreneurship education, The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, LLC provides highly interactive online experiential programs for individuals and organizations worldwide. Their first program was developed exclusively for the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute and is currently being distributed throughout Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia. In addition to their collaboration with The Kauffman Foundation, ELI is also working with WVIZ/PBS to produce the Entrepreneurial Learning Series, an interactive distance learning program that enables high school students throughout Ohio to interact with, and learn from, real-world entrepreneurs. ELI has also established a partnership with Lorain County Community College to develop and accredit additional online experienced-based learning programs.
For more information, visit http://www.elientrepreneur.com or contact Gary Schoeniger