Entrepreneurship: Babson vs Emerson

I just recently attended Founders Day at Babson and Emerson's Experience in Entrepreneurship. I didn't know Emerson students were a strong entrepreneurial group and was rather impressed by the creativity and depth of 18 startups. Comparing the Babson program with the Emerson, I am going to have to say that Emerson takes the lead. This may come as a shock to some since Babson claims that it is the epicenter of entrepreneurship. I favor the Emerson startups because most students continue working on their startups after the program end, where as the Babson startups stop.

In just three years, Emerson has helped launch over 50 student businesses. E3's director, Dr. Karl Baehr, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine a Top Professor of Entrepreneurship in 2007. The mayor of Boston even went on to declare E3 Day in the city last year. The course also gives students a minor in entrepreneurial studies. Here is a description of the course and a list of startups in the exposition:

"The curriculum consists of a series of weekly and multi-week "modules" that allow you to examine specific aspects of entrepreneurship, such as corporate structure, the process of innovation, marketing, sales, corporate (product) identity, leadership, ethics, business finance, funding R&D, intellectual property law, and business communication. You'll also hear from area business leaders, take field trips to visit successful firms, and be paired with an entrepreneurial mentor.

As an E3 student, you'll work to complete a business plan, develop marketing and informational material, and hone your presentation and negotiation skills. You'll eventually prepare a detailed student venture including financial and operational specifics, and showcase the final project at an entrepreneurial symposium to potential business and capital partners."

The following are businesses that were formed and presented at the event:

Kids with Guns Animation Studios
Pink Elephant Management
State of Mind Music Group
LEAF
Red Lamp Toy Innovators
Lucky Dog Lounge
Interactive Electronic Street Directories
Starch! Restaurant
Island on Wheels
Thokk Adventure Productions
Yipstah!
R&B Event Planners
The Mods Hotel
Spirit Clothing
Eastcoast/Westcoast Lounge
Bisou Restaurant
Root Boy Soda
RiCatrachita