Join the Business Alliance and grow your business
Where can you find quality networking and stay abreast of the latest research at Mason and best practices in the business community at the same time? The Business Alliance of George Mason University (Business Alliance) provides a forum for business leaders, faculty and students to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas. Founded in 1988, the Business Alliance of George Mason University is a nonprofit 501c(3) membership organization and the Washington, DC area's premier business-university partnership. The Business Alliance hosts a variety of educational/investment forums, networking events, business education and volunteer activities all of which are designed to help participants become more successful through the exchange of ideas and information—preparing present and future leaders to overcome the marketplace's challenges and become more successful in their business ventures.
On January 24th, the Business Alliance will host a US-China FastTrack Forum. Participants will have ample networking opportunities to meet directly with American business leaders, investment and government officials and their counterparts from China. Case studies regarding successful joint ventures and hands-on practical advice for developing a strategy for doing business in China and/or with Chinese firms—including presentations regarding market opportunities, risk management and getting started--will be shared. Keynote speakers include Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Compliance and Access, David Bohigian, Ted Fishman, author of China Inc., Jin Ju, Minister-Counselor for Science and Technology at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC; and Sam Mok, international advisor and former CFO of both the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Treasury. Complete Agenda and registration: www.businessalliance.org/chinafasttrack.html Mention Patriot Entrepreneur/Mason when you register to save $60 OFF general registration of $149 (and pay only $89) or $25 OFF reception only tickets (and pay only $30 to attend 3 p.m. on).
Nothing but Net-working! Treat your colleagues and friends to a fun evening of networking and basketball. Meet new business contacts, recruiting personnel from George Mason University and local firms at a unique networking event January 29th. Enjoy networking, drinks and hors d’ouvres on the George Mason University Fairfax campus. Then enjoy championship level basketball at the Patriot Centerras the George Mason Patriots face CAA division rivals the VCU Rams!
Also in February, is the first of a new casual networking series designed to provide local business leaders the opportunity to network and to learn from each other and from experts at George Mason University. Each SmartConnect mixer will spotlight a different academic unit, program or expertise and will be held in conjunction with an invitation only CEO’s Roundtable. The February 5th program spotlights the School of Management.
Are you or someone you know seeking investment capital? The application deadline to present your investment opportunity at the next Business Alliance Grubstake Breakfast on March 14th is February 8th. The Grubstake Breakfast networking and investment forums are held three times each year and feature presentations by selected companies seeking $250,000 to $2 million in investment capital, as well as market insight and feedback to these companies from a panel of investors. The Business Alliance also provides feedback to companies not selected to present regarding their application and business plan. The selection and coaching is performed by a committee comprised of Business Alliance members and University partners, who volunteer their time and expertise to the program. School of Management Honors Lab MBA students have the opportunity to learn through shadowing Business Alliance members involved with the Grubstake Breakfast process. During the selection process, preference is given to VA/MD/DC area technology companies with proprietary products or services. Retail firms and professional service companies rarely are considered. Presenter’s application and registration information is available online.
The Business Alliance will present its fifth annual Bootcamp for Growing Companies and Entrepreneurs on April 4th. This full day program geared toward providing man-agers of early stage and mid-market firms serving the commercial and government contracting market, and those who advise these companies, first-hand knowledge and insight on best practices for finding funding sources, managing growth, staying abreast of market opportunities, and handling the challenges of competition, financing, technology infrastructure, and personnel. Ted Leonsis has committed to be the keynote luncheon speaker this year. Other CEO’s will address a number of important issues for small and growing companies—including market opportunities, funding, managing growth, sales and marketing, human capital, building a product company.
In addition to their role with events such as the US-China FastTrack Forum, the Bootcamp and Grubstake Breakfast programs, Business Alliance members volunteer their time on campus as guest lecturers, advisory board members, mock interviewer—not only in classes related to management and entrepreneurship, but also on a wide variety of other topics taught at the university.
To join or attend a Business Alliance program:
http://www.businessalliance.org
Article submitted by Judy Costello, Executive Director, Business Alliance of George Mason University