Sally’s father took an English degree from Dartmouth College and years of teaching experience along with a love of the outdoors to buy and manage a ski resort for many years.
“From a business perspective, my dad was always curious and fearless when it came to trying something new. He has been a huge creative force in my life and others around him. Naming the Center after him honors the natural teacher in him.”
The Hawk Ventures participants were chosen because they each have a solid business idea and took it seriously. They work independently but meet every Friday for an entrepreneurship roundtable. Along the way they learn soft skills such as how to articulate and pitch an idea to a large group, or how to pursue their passion, even in the face of rejection.
“Creating and running your own business is hard,” Adam said. “There are lots of peaks and valleys which teach you valuable skills that will be helpful, whether you’re the CEO of your own company or working inside someone else’s.”
Magnus, a freshman from the Albany, N.Y., area, heard about Hawk Ventures from a professor early in the fall semester.
“Storytelling is my priority, and I love drawing and the visual arts,” he said. “Now, I’m learning the business side — how to present my ideas clearly, how to seek funding. Art will always be subjective — but what will be profitable is also subjective.”
Chelsea, from Ghana, West Africa, is developing a pre-travel subscription box and digital exploration application.
“My idea is to inspire cultural exploration and enhance the travel experience,” the recent Baker-Simpson Fellow explained. “This opportunity has been an incredible part of my Hartwick experience, allowing me to grow my entrepreneurial skills and prepare for my future goals.”
Hawk Ventures has allowed Chelsea to expand on the idea that came to her while preparing for trips to London and Greece, when she had some trouble researching the regions and their customs.
“I could see people wanting to subscribe to this service or my application, even to explore the idea of travel to a new country or region,” she added.
The students’ work will culminate in a statewide business plan competition in April where they will pitch their ideas in hopes of winning financial support and the chance to advance to a broader competition in Boston.
Adam is also exploring a “Battle of the Hills” idea, where students from SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick might pose business ideas to each other. Next year, he plans to increase the number of Ventures accepted from 5 to 10. He’s also bringing in guest speakers to provide more career planning skills, such as the Pivot Methodology, developed by Jenny Blake, who has a great initiative that guides students to become the CEOs of their own life and think of their careers in increments of one to five years.
Ultimately, he’d like to get outside venture capitalists involved and make the college a hub for regional innovation. Gifts from alumni and friends make this possible. They fund equipment, software and immersive experiences. Also, gifts of time — mentoring a student, speaking to a class or sponsoring an internship — provide the personal connection for which Hartwick is known. To learn more, contact [email protected].
