The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University, powered by the Richard Fordyce Endowed Speaker Series, is excited to welcome alum, chair of footwear and creative associate at Pensole Lewis College, E.Scott Morris ('89, Studio Art), to the 2024 Venture Summit as this year's keynote speaker on Friday, September 27. With 30+ years in the industry, Morris will dive into the multifaceted world where entrepreneurship meets creativity and share his inspiration and motivation from working for Nike, Under Armour and Anta Sports, where he shaped iconic footwear and drove innovation.
With Morris as this year's keynote speaker, Spartan leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators can expect to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation with a thought-provoking, insightful session.
Additionally, attendees can expect to engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and a student showcase and celebrate exemplary students involved in entrepreneurship and innovation at MSU.
2024 Schedule
Welcome
In an inspiring talk, Alina Morse (‘27, Finance), CEO of Zolli Candy, will share how she started her mission-driven, sugar-free candy company at seven years old, emphasizing the importance of integrating creative thinking and innovative approaches into her entrepreneurial endeavors and why she chose to attend MSU as an entrepreneur.
Introduction to Entrepreneurial Support and Education
Learn how aspiring Spartan entrepreneurs and innovators can leverage the educational resources and support available at Michigan State University to understand the power of entrepreneurial education with the Minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Venture Creation programs.
Made at Michigan State: Reaching Customers as a Creative
Discover how Spartan creatives are growing their businesses with Student-Made Michigan State. This session will highlight four MSU student entrepreneurs, Yuktha Pulavarthi, owner of Macaronza!, Jillian Whitley, owner of J. Margaret, Ella Lynch, founder of Stuck on You Design Co., and Katyra Waller, founder of BC Cosmetics, highlighting how these creators have integrated innovative strategies into their business models to drive success.
The Spartan 300: Supporting the Next Generation of Spartan Entrepreneurs
Spartans are bold and stand together, this session will highlight MSU’s newest initiative, in collaboration with the MSU Research Foundation, to help MSU students and grow MSU’s campus-wide nationally ranked entrepreneurship education program featuring Pete Martin (‘09, Hospitality Business), director of connection at Michigan Founders Fund.
Student Showcase
The Student Showcase provides an opportunity for MSU student entrepreneurs, early and advanced, to feature their innovative ideas and creative businesses while networking with the Spartan leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators attending the 2024 Venture Summit.
Keynote Speaker, Ceremony & Reception
To conclude the evening, the Burgess Institute will recognize the outstanding entrepreneurial achievements of the 2023-24 scholarship recipients, followed by a networking reception.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from E.Scott Morris at the 2024 Venture Summit Friday, September 27, 2024, in East Lansing. To register, visit https://bit.ly/venturesummit-2024.
More information about Venture Summit is available via the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.