Center for Entrepreneurship

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Bryan Toney talks about Entrepreneurship at Appalachian

On Appalachian State University’s cable television program, “Appalachian Perspective,” (see video clip) Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Bryan Toney talks about the current successes of the program and his vision to advance the program in the future.

The Center for Entrepreneurship in the Walker College of Business started in 2006. Since then, enrollment in entrepreneurship classes has grown to more than 500 students per year. A recently conducted survey of Appalachian graduates from the last 10 years who took at least one entrepreneurship class revealed that 50 percent already own their own business or have definite plans to start or purchase a business. In addition, alumni records show that more than 1,000 Walker College of Business alumni are active entrepreneurs.

Toney talks about several programs in place that spark creativity, encourage an entrepreneur mindset, develop skill sets and help increase the student’s ability to work with limited resources. All of which, he said, are important factors not only as a business owner but as an employee of a small business.

He gives much credit to local business owners who have supported many of these programs through internships, job shadowing, speaking to classes and funding needed to grow the program. In the future he hopes also to have programs that focus on sustainable development and increased global awareness.

“Appalachian Perspective” airs in Watauga County at the following times: Charter Communication Channel 21 weekdays at 10:30 a.m., and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Channel 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and on MTN’s Channel 18 Thursdays at 5:30, 6:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. and Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

The episode titled “Entrepreneurship at Appalachian” can also be accessed online at www.perspective.appstate.edu

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