Blog
Prepping Your Biz for the Holidays: A Must-Read Guide for Entrepreneurs
October 10, 2024
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for entrepreneurs, it’s crunch time! Whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, or offering a service, it’s the perfect opportunity to boost revenue,
How to Start Building the Career You Want as an Entrepreneurial Student Today
September 26, 2024
As a student, choosing a major can be challenging enough. For an entrepreneurial student, deciding what to do with your life after college can feel overwhelming with so many possibilities.
The Power of Youth Entrepreneurship: Building Confidence and Shaping Futures
September 19, 2024
Imagine a group of teenagers huddled together in a coffee shop, brainstorming the next big idea. The room buzzes with excitement as they sketch out their plans, make lists of
The Power of Hispanic-Owned Businesses in Shaping Our Communities
September 3, 2024
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize how diverse perspectives can enrich our communities. In the business world, this diversity is a driving force for
The Ultimate Guide to Time Management for Entrepreneurs: Strategies for Success
August 13, 2024
As an entrepreneur, you are constantly managing multiple responsibilities and demands on your time. So proper time management is one of the essential skills that every entrepreneur should master. Good
Inspiring Black Entrepreneurs Through Community Connections & Resources
August 2, 2024
For many Black entrepreneurs, the journey of becoming their own boss has been cultivated over many years of working on their passions in silence. There is no clear roadmap to
From Startups to Solopreneurs: The Perks of Being Your Own Boss
July 29, 2024
According to the 2024 Shopify-Gallup Entrepreneurship Study, a whopping 62% of the more than 45,000 U.S. adults surveyed said “they would prefer to be their own boss” and more than
Leveraging LinkedIn: 3 Ways to Build an Authentic Personal Brand for Entrepreneurial Success
July 24, 2024
If you’ve attended an Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute training recently, you’ve probably heard me joke about my status as a “LinkedIn influencer.” It’s a title that always gets a
Essential Skills and Resources to Unlock Entrepreneurial Success
July 15, 2024
Starting or growing a business can be challenging, but equipping yourself with the right skills can truly set your business apart. Leadership, marketing, finance, and legal issues have a significant
Sparking Synergy Event: Connecting the K-12 Community Through Innovation
July 11, 2024
The sun hangs high in the desert sky on a hazy Thursday morning. Inside SkySong 1951, a group of education changemakers gather to create a storm of new ideas to
Five Digital Resources to Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Journey This Summer
July 3, 2024
Summer break is all about relaxing and having adventures, but it’s also a great time to explore new ideas and boost your entrepreneurial skills. With a few clicks, you can
The Importance of Design Thinking in Education: Sparking Creativity in Children
June 27, 2024
The Creativity Crisis Every generation has fond memories of how much better it was when they were kids. Just 40 short years ago, children didn’t come home from playing until
Celebrating Diversity in Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Buzzword
June 19, 2024
June is a month rich with opportunities for reflection and celebration. It is not only Pride Month but also the time when we observe Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating a pivotal
How Chambers of Commerce Can Support Your LGBTQ-Owned Business
June 4, 2024
In the Valley, diversity is not just a buzzword. It is a dynamic reality that enriches our communities in so many ways. From cultural festivals to business districts bustling with
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Skills Through Music in K-12 Classrooms
May 29, 2024
When students collaborate to create a piece of music and perform it for an audience, they are practicing the exact skills of innovation and creativity that we value in entrepreneurship.
Arizona’s Diverse Tech Ecosystem: Shaping the Future Across Sectors
May 16, 2024
Amid the Sonoran Desert, Arizona’s tech ecosystem thrives as an oasis of innovation and diversity, where technology and entrepreneurship flourish. This diverse environment includes both long-standing corporations and recent startups.
Celebrating Nurses and Their Impact on Healthcare Advancements
May 6, 2024
As the largest group of healthcare professionals in the U.S., nurses provide care across all areas of the healthcare system and care settings. Honoring these healthcare professionals during National Nurses
How College Sets You Up With Entrepreneurial Skills for Career Success
May 1, 2024
As you’re gearing up to toss your caps in the air and say farewell to your college days, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve invested
Creative Ideas for Embracing Earth Day in Your Business
April 24, 2024
In honor of Earth Day, the Edson E+I team invited Sowan Thai, a participant from our Cultivate PHX AgriFood Tech Incubator, to provide his take on how business owners and
How to Tap Into External Funding Opportunities to Expand Your Venture
April 17, 2024
When it comes to entrepreneurship, securing funding is often a key driver for growth and success. While many early-stage entrepreneurs start by tapping personal savings and loans from family and
How These Student Creative Entrepreneurs Turned an Idea into a Business
April 11, 2024
How many of you have a passion or hobby that you truly can’t live without? And how many of you secretly daydream about turning your passion into an income-producing business?
Cultivating a Strong Venture Mentor Network to Empower Entrepreneurs at All Stages
April 4, 2024
When you find a vibrant community for entrepreneurs, chances are you’ll discover a strong mentorship program offering impactful guidance and support to innovators of all kinds. Recognizing that each mentor
Putting Purpose First: How Three Founders Prioritize Social Entrepreneurship
March 21, 2024
From acting as catalysts for social change to generating opportunities for underserved communities, social entrepreneurship is a valuable concept for any business to embrace. Not only can an entrepreneur generate
How to Sell Value, Not Product, as a B2B Entrepreneur
March 14, 2024
B2B (Business-to-Business) entrepreneurs are always excited about their product. You can see it in their actions and hear it in their voices. And well they should be – after all
Five Unique Strategies to Help Women Reimagine Professional Networking
March 4, 2024
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s a great time to have authentic discussions about helping women advance professionally. One key element to finding success in the workplace is networking—a
3 Tips for an Easier Ride on the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster
February 28, 2024
Entrepreneurship is an incredible ride aptly likened to a rollercoaster. It’s exciting with many unexpected twists and turns. Some are exhilarating and have you running off enthusiasm and confidence. Others
Local Restaurant Love: How 3 Food Businesses are Growing in the West Valley
February 22, 2024
Entrepreneurship comes in various forms, but the key to success is giving customers what they want, consistently and with top-notch quality, no matter what industry you are in. The food
Making an Impact: A Community Leader’s Journey on Campus and Beyond Graduation
February 5, 2024
Black History Month is not just a time to reflect on the lives and collective histories of the African diaspora. It is also a time to celebrate the diversity in
Fusion on First Innovation Fund Supports Student Entrepreneurs
January 25, 2024
Named for its location on First Avenue and its fusion of performing and visual arts, fashion, and entrepreneurship, Fusion on First offers a way to engage students interested in those
From Dorm Room to Boardroom: A Guide to Building an Entrepreneurial Network in College
January 19, 2024
The realm of entrepreneurship holds many exciting opportunities for ambitious college students interested in establishing their own businesses. And you don’t need to wait until you graduate to get started–you
Building a Better Ecosystem: The Power of Unexpected Connections
January 10, 2024
Every founder is wonderfully unique because of their background, their current projects and their goals. This diversity of factors also means that every founder has a unique set of resource
Thriving in the Future: 2024 Business Trends Shaping Arizona’s Landscape
December 21, 2023
As we stride into 2024, the dynamic business landscape of Arizona is abuzz with exciting trends redefining the state’s economic fabric. With a strong focus on fostering innovation, sustainability, and
The Real-Life Strategies of Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs
December 15, 2023
Many entrepreneurs will tell you that finding a balance between their work life and their personal life is one of their biggest challenges. It’s easy for founders to put all
The Entrepreneur’s Guide to a Successful 2024
December 7, 2023
A New Year, New Opportunities & Resources to Help! “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” – David Bowie As you wrap
Igniting the Future of Healthcare at ASU’s Health Innovation Exhibition
November 30, 2023
Entrepreneurship and innovation have a significant impact across many industries, including healthcare. Bringing future healthcare professionals together is a fantastic way to collaborate and brainstorm about the industry’s direction. One
2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Shop Brands That Elevate Entrepreneurs
November 16, 2023
Our annual holiday gift guide is back! This year, we present a curated selection of twenty-two remarkable small businesses that are part of our vibrant community programs and Venture Devils.
Veteran to Venture: 4 Veterans’ Journeys Into Entrepreneurship
November 10, 2023
Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our military and it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of those veterans who have
Igniting Indigenous Talent: A Story of Tech, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit
November 1, 2023
As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, we honor the diverse cultures and important contributions of Indigenous peoples. This month is a chance to understand how having people from
Art Meets Business: Four Creative Minds Crafting Success
October 24, 2023
As we continue to build resources and support for creative entrepreneurs at Edson E+I, we strive to show, rather than tell, our community that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and that
Discovering the Path to Product-Market Fit
October 18, 2023
Aspiring entrepreneurs face a daunting challenge: transforming their startup dreams into market-viable solutions. How do you make sure people want to buy what you are selling? Identifying–and understanding–your product-market fit
Empowering and Inclusive Retail Strategies to Boost Growth and Community Impact
October 11, 2023
Guest Author Ryan McElhinney is the Co-Founder of Student-Made. ASU joined the Student-Made network in Fall 2023. Retail can serve as a powerful driver of placemaking and community development. There
Announcing the Launch of Cultivate PHX: Agrifood Tech Incubator
October 2, 2023
Agrifood innovation for people and the planet ASU’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service, the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute and the City of Phoenix are excited
The Benefits of Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business
September 28, 2023
Data collection is the foundation of nearly everything we interact with—what we watch, where we travel, our interests, hobbies, demographics and even our behavior. It’s everywhere. While discussions surrounding data
Beyond Likes: How Entrepreneurs Can Maximize the Value of Social Media
September 21, 2023
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, social media has become an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness and drive business growth. But the
How Latino-Owned Businesses Are Achieving Economic Success by Connecting Communities
September 15, 2023
As the nation’s population becomes more diverse, the percentage of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds continues to grow, especially among Latinos. According to the Joint Economic Committee Hispanic Entrepreneurship and Business
How Establishing Your Core Values Can Create a Purposeful Venture
September 7, 2023
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it’s not enough for a company to focus solely on profits. A successful and sustainable business can be defined as one that is deeply
New School Year, New Reason to ‘Just Start’ on Your Entrepreneurial Journey
August 31, 2023
It’s that time of the year again! Staff and faculty are gearing up to welcome new and returning students to ASU for new classes and new experiences. A new school
Taking a Stand: How to Support Social Issues in Your Business
August 24, 2023
National Nonprofit Day and World Humanitarian Day, both landing in August, allow us to celebrate the contributions nonprofits and socially responsible companies make in our society. These contributions address a
Insights from Two Innovative Black-Owned Business Owners
August 18, 2023
At the heart of business innovation lie ideas born from unexplored needs. The visionary entrepreneurs who bring these innovations to life not only add immense value to our economy but
Announcing the Launch of the Chandler Endeavor Venture Innovation Incubator
August 17, 2023
Ready to accelerate your venture? The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute and the City of Chandler is thrilled to announce the launch of the Chandler Endeavor Venture Innovation
The Eco-Warrior Generation: Empowering Youth to Confront Eco-Anxiety with Purpose
August 11, 2023
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, youth are facing increasing levels of stress and anxiety, more than previous generations. The modern digital age has exposed kids to many concerns beyond their
How to Balance Life and Ambitions as a Student Entrepreneur
August 3, 2023
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Lance Lim is in his second year of the Master of Global Management degree program, offered by the Thunderbird School of Global Management. As a student, Lance knows
Creating Your Own Version of Self-Care as an Entrepreneur
July 24, 2023
As an entrepreneur, the word “self-care” might inspire the opposite of calm and relaxation. Hear me out as to why… Five months ago, my husband, business partner and I opened
AI: A Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs
July 17, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm! AI is the technology built to do certain tasks that usually only humans can do. It is rapidly evolving the way
A Conversation with Textile Innovator Margaret Frey
July 13, 2023
The fashion industry, with its long-standing traditions, leaves much room for innovation. Drawing inspiration from seasoned experts enables us to reimagine a future beyond the current norms. Advancements in manufacturing
How Small Businesses Are Making Big Waves in American Communities
July 3, 2023
In the vast landscape of the American economy, small businesses serve as the beating heart that keeps our community alive and thriving. And the passionate individuals that pour their heart,
PRIDE at ASU: Two Community Innovators Taking Action
June 21, 2023
When we include diverse perspectives, we make better decisions. And in business, creating a welcoming space for everyone to participate can improve employee engagement and overall performance. According to the
Turning Family Tradition Into an Entrepreneurial Legacy
June 16, 2023
Samantha Abrams was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. It all began with her grandmother’s natural ability to create products that her community in Guyana needed and adored. “Although she may
From Lecture Hall to Launch: Advice for College Students to Turn Ideas Into Ventures
October 3, 2024
Often, when you have a good idea, it feels like a light bulb turning on in your head. While it is certainly possible to have an “aha” moment that turns
Leading the Way: Health Entrepreneurship at ASU
September 12, 2024
Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a leader in innovation and forward-thinking approaches to education and research, especially when it comes to health entrepreneurship. The institution’s comprehensive initiatives are
Finding Community in Collaboration Spaces: Making Meaningful Connections
August 29, 2024
The right space can make all the difference for entrepreneurs working to ideate, create and build. Whether you want help building a prototype, are looking for a place to meet
How the Invention Convention Worldwide is Nurturing Tomorrow’s Inventors
August 22, 2024
Have you ever had an idea and thought to yourself, “I should patent this”? Then a few years later, you saw your idea on a late-night infomercial? Humans, by nature,