UM-Flint Entrepreneurs Society opening membership to students at Mott Community College, other local universities

The University of Michigan-Flint Entrepreneurs Society is expanding to include students at Mott Community College. Its leaders also hope to affiliate with new or existing clubs at Kettering University in Flint and Northwood University in Midland.

The Entrepreneurs Society has fostered creativity and innovation in Flint since 2008. With a stated mission to "act as a resource for each other to create a powerful collaborative environment that empowers students," past members have conducted research for government agencies and small businesses, such as Al Serra Automotive, Beacon & Bridge Market, the Birch Run Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Local Grocer and others. They have also hosted many discussions, lectures and experiences. Past experiences have involved Genesee County Habitat for Humanity's Work/Live Home, small business tours, networking events and CEO's Global Conference.

Victoria Banaszek became the organization's student president in April. She and her fellow board members see expansion as an opportunity to collaborate with other students and improve the region's quality of life.

"U.S. Census data shows that young people move out of Flint and local areas in Southeast Michigan more often than they stay," said Banaszek, a junior finance major from Grand Blanc. "We are hoping this initiative will better serve the Flint community, bring youth into the area, and breathe new life into the region."

Banaszek envisions two routines for club meetings. First, each campus's club will meet weekly or biweekly, similar to UM-Flint. Second, all the clubs will convene once a month for events that rotate among the campuses.

The Entrepreneurs Society's other leaders include vice president Natasha Bloom, a senior majoring in accounting from Defiance, Ohio, media manager Austin Hall, a senior majoring in business administration from Hillsdale, and treasurer Shane Berkholz, a senior majoring in business administration from Mt. Morris. Shane Berkholz's spouse, Amber Berkholz, is an MCC student who is working to establish her school's affiliated branch.

"I want to bring the Entrepreneurs Society to MCC because I see how my husband helps UM-Flint students with their businesses, and I want that for the students at MCC," said Amber Berkholz. "This group will help students work through how to establish a successful business here in Flint. I want students to be able to realize their dreams, so our children can have as many future opportunities as possible."

UM-Flint's Entrepreneurs Society meets 11 a.m.-noon every Tuesday in the Riverfront Conference Center's Room 2337. In the future, Banaszek plans to add additional meeting days and offer virtual participation on request.

The Entrepreneurs Society's faculty advisor is Michael Witt, lecturer IV in management studies.

"Entrepreneurs like William C. Durant, Charles Stewart Mott and Herbert H. Dow all succeeded in this region because it is rich with risk takers, innovators and collaborators," said Witt, who holds doctoral degrees in law and clinical pharmacy. "Those conditions have not changed, and that's why I'm so excited to see what the future holds once these students join forces."

Students can join the Entrepreneurs Society by attending its meetings, where drop-in visitors are welcome. No dues, specific majors or skills are required.

"If you're interested in building a network and having a close connection with those around you who are also up and coming, just stop by," Banaszek said. "You will gain experience talking business without it having to be a long interview process, and this will pay dividends, even if you don't notice it right away."

"This partnership will enhance our relationship with the University of Michigan-Flint by fostering an innovative program that will serve the diverse needs of our students," said Lisa Novak, faculty co-chair of the Business Division at MCC and lecturer in accounting at UM-Flint's School of Management. "By working together, we can support their entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth throughout our region. Our goal is that, through collaboration, shared resources and a common vision for educational excellence, we can open new doors—not only for our students but also for the broader community we both proudly serve."

The Entrepreneurs Society won CEO's Global Chapter of the Year award in 2019, among other honors. Shane Berkholz's startup, TrackED, is also a semifinalist for this year's CEO Pitch Competition. His presentation to the judges will take place Oct. 31 at the CEO Global Conference in Tampa, where Bloom and Hall will join him.

For more information about UM-Flint's Entrepreneurs Society, visit its Campus Connections webpage or email Banaszek at vbanasze@umich.edu. In addition to new members, the group is currently seeking a volunteer graphic designer.

The Entrepreneurs Society is funded in part by a charitable gift from Philip and Jocelyn Hagerman. Additional support is provided by the University of Michigan-Flint Entrepreneurs Society Endowed Fund.

For details about MCC's affiliated branch, contact Amber Berkholz at aberkholz@mcc.edu. MCC students may also contact Michael Kendall, advisor, at michael.kendall@mcc.edu or the MCC Business Division office at 810-762-0429.