Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In the face of tragedy, some individuals crumble under the weight of grief and despair, while others find the strength to rise above their circumstances and inspire others. Mason Sawyer’s journey of resilience and perseverance is a shining example of the latter. In a recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, he recounts his harrowing experience and shares the lessons he learned along the way.
Overcoming tragedy
Mason’s life was forever changed in July 2021 when a car accident claimed the lives of his wife, two children, brother, and nephew, leaving only his son, Blue, alive. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Mason was unsure of how to navigate the immense pain he was feeling. It was during this dark period that he sought the help of a therapist, who introduced him to the mantra of “we over me.”
This simple yet profound phrase became the guiding principle in Mason’s journey towards healing. By shifting his focus from his pain to the needs of others, he discovered a newfound strength within himself. Drawing inspiration from the message of Jesus, Mason realized that helping others could provide solace and purpose amid his own suffering.
The power of selflessness
One of the key insights Mason gained from his journey is the transformative power of selflessness. By shifting the spotlight away from his demons and focusing on helping others, he found a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This act of service not only helped him heal but also allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Mason’s story is a testament to the philosophy of stoicism, which teaches that most things in life are indifferent. While tragedy may strike unexpectedly, our response to these events truly matters. Mason’s resilience and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss exemplify the stoic mindset of accepting what cannot be changed and finding strength in the face of adversity.
In sharing his message of resilience, perseverance, and love, Mason serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity. His journey reminds us that we possess the strength within us to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. By following Mason’s podcast and Instagram account, we can learn more about his story and mission, and perhaps find the inspiration we need to navigate our own trials and tribulations.
About The Jeff Fenster Show
Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Danielle Schultz, a ballet dancer at the Metropolitan Opera and founder of The Triangle Sessions, a corporate wellness company offering company retreats, interactive wellness classes and team-building events. She is based in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Image Credit: Devin Cruz.
You’d been a dancer with the Metropolitan Opera since 2014 when Covid hit. How did your life and work change in those early days of the pandemic, and when did you know it was time to supplement your income with a side hustle?
When Covid hit, I was in the middle of Die Fliegende Hollander and was slated to perform in Turandot a few weeks later. I had nurtured positions teaching fitness and ballet at New York City studios, which I continued via Zoom to stay financially afloat. However, I was also three months pregnant, and my husband was a full-time student. I had to get creative quickly. One of the first social impacts of Covid that everyone struggled with was isolation. It gave me the idea to start offering corporate wellness and team events to help employees stay connected in the newly virtual workplace.
How did your professional background inspire you to launch The Triangle Sessions? How did that skill set translate to your entrepreneurial journey?
I graduated in 2009 from NYU Tisch with a dance degree and a minor in art history. It was a terrible time to graduate, especially with an arts degree. I turned down an apprenticeship with a small ballet company to perform as a dancer on a cruise ship and travel the world. Believe it or not, this was simply the more practical approach at the time. I was able to give up my New York City apartment, live expense-free and save money. This experience served as a crash course in travel and tourism, something that would come into play 10 years later when organizing a large-scale retreat for a national law firm.
After my cruise ship contract, I danced with a small contemporary company while waiting tables at high-end restaurants. It was the New York City restaurant scene that provided excellent training in wine, spirits and food pairings. Like the cruise ship, I learned the value of customer service and how to connect with a wide variety of people. Waiting tables still goes down as the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it was too physically demanding while dancing.
When I got my break at the Metropolitan Opera, a dream job for years, there was a catch…it still wasn’t full-time. So, I had to supplement my income in a way that would be easier on my body. I became a certified yoga teacher, certified nutrition counselor and Ballet Beautiful trainer for celebrity clients. All of these skills allowed me to share a deeper understanding of the human body with a wide range of people. It set me up beautifully for teaching corporate wellness.
For years, I continued to perform at the Metropolitan Opera while juggling a slew of part-time work. It wasn’t until my aunt, a former ballroom champion and long-time business owner, told me something that I’ll never forget: “Dani, you already have the mentality of an entrepreneur in the way you support yourself. You have multiple income streams. Figure out how to work for yourself, not other people, so that you can share your knowledge on your own terms.” It was a lightbulb moment that got the wheels turning. It took a pandemic and a layoff from the Met Opera to pursue the endeavor full-time.
What was your vision for The Triangle Sessions, and what were some of the first steps you took to get it off the ground?
I wanted to implement the knowledge I developed in my professional dance career around healthy habits and performing at one’s best. I wanted to replicate the camaraderie I had experienced in the dance world through high-quality, purpose-driven experiences and apply it to the corporate world.
When Covid first hit, I offered virtual wellness classes….yoga, meditation, desk stretching, etc., always with some type of social component. No one was interested. People just wanted alcohol and happy hours. I started incorporating educational wine and sake tastings WITH corporate wellness, and suddenly, there was interest! I found a fantastic vendor to help put together high-quality experience kits (and accommodate some of my wacky requests, like combining foam rollers with bottles of Prosecco and gourmet snacks), and I hit the ground running.
How did you approach continuing to build, and what does your revenue look like?
Initially, the vast majority of business came from my own network, referrals and word-of-mouth. After some time hosting virtual team-building and wellness events, I became a small fish in a large pond. So, I partnered (and still continue to partner) with larger team-building event companies in which my services are offered. They have a dedicated sales team, and it provides steady revenue, all while nurturing my own clients and relationships. Annual revenue for 2022 was $110,000.
What were some of the biggest challenges along the way, and how did you navigate those?
The biggest challenge is trying to anticipate the needs of organizations and their employees without straying too far from our own mission. Employee well-being and community are at the backbone of The Triangle Sessions. I keep an open mind and experiment to see where there’s interest. In 2020, happy hours were in vogue. This last year it’s been all about wellness and creativity. Luckily, I enjoy this process and love having an open dialogue with clients to learn about their needs. Many of our signature events, like our Build-A-Terrarium workshop, which combines plant care with self-care, have been inspired by client requests.
Personally, I’ve struggled to find the balance between running The Triangle Sessions and wanting to continue to dance. Dance is my first love, my identity since I was three years old. I returned to the Met Opera part-time in 2021 and scaled back on the number of productions I usually perform to focus on building The Triangle Sessions. However, keeping my foot in the door at the Met sometimes leads to losing momentum. It’s a risk I’m willing to take for now since I have the best of both worlds. Martha Graham once said, “A dancer dies twice—once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful.” These words ring true, but I’m grateful to be building another satisfying career around community, connectivity and high-quality performance.
Do you have any advice for other professionals who want to start a side hustle or full-time business?
Lean into your strengths. Learn your core values. Reflect on what makes you different. From there, assess how these skills can benefit others and bring out the best in communities. It may take a bit of experimentation and creativity, but the process can be surprisingly satisfying. Sometimes, you just need to start somewhere and see what happens. Celebrate the small wins and run (or dance!) at your own pace.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Entrepreneurs work hard, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play hard, too. No matter what your favorite pastime is, it’s important to ensure you’re getting downtime. This is especially true for business owners since the average work week for an entrepreneur is 12 hours longer than most people’s standard 9-to-5 schedule (per TeamStage).
If you’ve ever considered winding down with some gaming but aren’t sure what system you’ll like the most, there’s now a great place to see if the world of Xbox is for you. A one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now just $9.97 — nearly $20 off the usual price — for a limited time, ready for you to test and have some fun.
Applicable to both brand new and existing users, this one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives you a taste of the fun so you can see if it’s for you. You’ll get access to more than 100 high-quality games, an EA play membership, and exclusive content you won’t see elsewhere for one seriously low price.
Aside from all the games you’ll grow to love, you will also unlock access to all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold. There, you can connect with other gamers and receive free games every month while also taking advantage of a massive 50% savings in the Xbox store. This one-month pass provides more games than you’d ever get to enjoy, serving as a great taste of the platform.
How much would it take to let hundreds of bugs roam around your home for a month?
A North Carolina-based pest control resource company, The Pest Informer, is looking for a household that will let them release 100 American cockroaches inside to test the effectiveness of a pest control technique.
In return for your participation, the company is offering to pay one homeowner $2,500.
While The Pest Informer didn’t give additional details about the specific cockroach treatment they would be trying for the experiment, the company assured candidates that the treatment used would be family and pet-safe.
However, the company said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency questioned the environmental impact of the study, which is why they are choosing to conduct the study in one household at a time.
The experiment will be conducted over 30 days, and if the roaches aren’t eliminated by the end of the study The Pest Informer said it would then implement traditional roach removal practices at no charge.
During the 30 days, participants must not use any other cockroach treatments.
U.S. residents who wish to be considered must fill out an online application by December 31, according to USA Today, and can expect to hear back in early 2024.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
If you haven’t had someone brag about their air fryer to you over the course of the last few years, then you are luckier than most of us. Jokes aside, there’s a reason why this kitchen utility has taken the casual cooking world by storm — it can generate a high-quality meal with a precision that’s greater than your average oven. If you’re interested in a new one or a replacement for your existing one, you can get a Sur La Table 16QT XL Vertical Air Fryer that is on sale for just $220 (reg. $279) for a limited time only.
Designed to help users prepare healthier meals for themselves with ease, the Sur La Table comes with twelve helpful preset cooking modes. Some of the dishes these modes are geared towards include chicken, fish, veggies, fries, and even pizza. The air fryer features an intuitive digital touchscreen display with an easy-to-read LED makeup. The 7-in-1 device can perform an array of air-frying tasks, including rotisserie cooks.
The Sur La Table air fryer comes with a staggering and surprising 16QT capacity, which makes preparing meals for friends, family, and even your co-workers a breeze. Its removable parts are also designed to make cleaning up and dishwashing as easy as possible. It also has 4.5 stars out of 5 online.
Gift yourself the modern marvel that is the air fryer, or grab one for a co-worker, loved one, or friend this holiday season.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
As an entrepreneur, you don’t have much free time to spend at the mall hunting down gifts. That’s where awesome online sales ramping up to Black Friday can be useful — offering an easy way to scope out potential gifts for your loved ones and buy them in advance so you can check someone off your list.
If you’re looking for a practical present that helps your loved one avoid expensive salon visits, the Face to Feet Laser Hair Remover can be a great stocking stuffer option. And now, ahead of Black Friday, you can score one for just $49.97 — $70 off the usual price — exclusively here through November 26.
This sleek device can help someone on your gift list get hair removal without expensive weekly or monthly charges, as they can do it from the comfort of their own bathroom. This FDA-approved hair remover has been clinically proven and is safe to use, as it utilizes laser technology to remove body hair effectively.
Curious how it works? This handheld device heats up in an impressive 45 seconds, and then you can get rid of hair in only one painless and easy treatment. And as the name suggests, it works on any part of the body — from the bikini area to the underarms to spots on the face. The result? Silky smooth skin, as the laser technology prevents hair regrowth at the hair’s cuticle layer without any damage or scarring.
Delight any loved one this holiday season with this Face to Feet Laser Hair Remover for the exclusive price of $49.97 (reg. $119), with no coupon code required, through November 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Flights are getting a whole lot cheaper as airlines rush to fill empty seats by the end of the year.
Airlines have a record 260 million seats to fill by the end of the fourth quarter, which is up by nearly 8% from last year, according to information obtained by CNBC from aviation data firm Cirium.
To hit their goal, some airlines are offering flights at low fares, including Southwest Airlines, which offered a sale of one-way fights fromAtlanta to Nashville, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and more in the early morning and late evening starting at $29.
Southwest’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ryan Green, told reporters at the Skift Aviation Forum that the airline is discounting flights and offering sales “a bit more than normal” due to the increased flight capacity, and thus the need to fill more seats, per CNBC.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
What if I told you that there is an invaluable tool at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which can improve your happiness, support your well-being and fuel your success? What I am referring to is your internal dialogue. That inner voice we all have that can either propel us forward or keep us stuck. Those stories and beliefs that we carry with us like an invisible backpack, influencing our feelings, our behaviors, our work and our lives. While our inner dialogue has the potential to be an incredible ally, it also has the potential to be a bit of a bully.
Beliefs and internal stories like: “I am not good enough.” “I am bad at this.” “I don’t belong here.” Those are a few examples of restrictive stories that could be holding you back from true happiness and success in your personal and professional life. Throughout my time practicing in healthcare and in Integrative Psychiatry, I talked with many patients who were unhappy due to unhealthy internal stories. These stories kept them from taking action to create better lives for themselves. I have also talked with many successful individuals and top leaders amid my speaking engagements and my Live Greatly podcast, and I have found that all people, even those who appear extremely confident and self-assured, experience fear, moments of self-doubt and uncertainty.
According to Indeed’s Working on well-being 2022 report, where 2522 adults in the UK were surveyed, 1 in 5 senior managers/human resources leaders and over 1 in 10 employees said they “always” or “very frequently” feel like a fraud. A 2020 KPMG study of 750 women showed that 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome. While many people experience some of these feelings, a key thing that I have noticed for people who are happy and successful is that they have learned how to navigate their self-talk and those moments when limiting beliefs surface. They don’t let those feelings stop them from positive action and moving in the direction of their mission.
So, how can you start to embrace a more empowering internal story? Well, it begins with self-awareness. How can you actively change something that you don’t even know exists? One way you can work on building self-awareness is with mindfulness. Mindfulness can be a helpful way to expand your awareness around your internal dialogue and your beliefs. You can begin to non-judgmentally notice your thoughts, feelings and responses by bringing your attention to the present moment and getting curious.
You will likely notice some habitual thought patterns and behaviors. You may find that if things are going well or if you have gotten positive feedback, your inner voice may be cheering you on and telling you how great of a job you’re doing. However, if setbacks occur, if you make a mistake, if you are nervous or trying something new, then what happens?
There is a powerful connection and interplay between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and a key thing to recognize is that a lot of your thoughts are simply not true. Some of your thoughts may be opinions or interpretations. Many thoughts are not facts, and some may be outright lies. We all have limiting beliefs that drive our behaviors, and if you are able to build awareness around these limitations, you can recognize that you don’t have to continue to live your life acting like they are true.
You can intentionally choose a new path. You can choose a new response. You can choose to question the validity of your limiting beliefs and present yourself with more empowering possibilities that you can reinforce with new mindful actions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular therapeutic tool that expands on this and can be helpful in navigating limiting beliefs and patterns.
I remember back when I was in college, and I had to partake in a mandatory communications class on public speaking. At the time, I saw no use for the class because I was terrified of public speaking. Based on where I was then and the beliefs I had about myself at that time, I could not have predicted that I would now be a keynote speaker speaking to large audiences on a regular basis and absolutely loving it.
I was 18 years old at the time, and all I knew was that I didn’t like the feeling of being judged and I wanted to avoid being embarrassed at all costs. I ended up getting a good grade in the class, but based on how uncomfortable I felt speaking to the group, I left that communications class with a new limiting belief. “I am bad at public speaking.” That belief stuck with me pretty tightly for some time. It was by my side when I had to give speeches at weddings, and it popped up years later when I had an opportunity to start guest lecturing at a University.
So, how did I overcome it? The first step was realizing that the limiting belief was there. The second was deciding that I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I knew that I had an important message I wanted to share that could really help the students I would be speaking to, so I leaned into the mission. When I left my first day of guest lecturing, I had a huge “aha” moment. I felt great, and I had absolutely loved talking to the group. The nerves faded away moments after I started, and I found myself excited to do it again. I realized that the belief that I had about me being bad at public speaking wasn’t true. Public speaking had just made me uncomfortable, which is part of doing something new.
Since that time, there has been a question that I use if I find limiting beliefs or restrictive stories surfacing, and it is: “How can I view this in a way that is more empowering for me?” If you are looking to create more empowering stories for yourself, it can be helpful to choose approachable goals and small actions that can propel you forward toward a new, more empowering belief. Self-doubt and fear will likely still be there, but the key is not letting them stop you from becoming who you aspire to be.
Disclaimer: This content purely represents the opinion of the author and is not medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations specific to you.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Not all hobbies are created equal. Over the last decade, I’ve obsessively studied success (and what successful people do) by reading a book/month on the topic, researching it (so I could write my own books on it) and being mentored by both CEOs and executive coaches. I’ve found nearly all successful people are intentional and deliberate about how they spend their time. When it comes to their hobbies, watching television or reading tabloids doesn’t rank high. Here’s what does.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
According to Fortunly, 81% of small-business owners in the United States end up working overtime. If you’re a busy entrepreneur, you know that truth all too well after pulling some crazy hours week after week. That means it’s more important than ever to make sure you have time to unwind, especially with the busy holiday season ahead.
Whether you have a gamer on your gifting list or you personally love to fit in a few rounds of Mario Kart after a busy day, the Nintendo Switch is a great way to unwind. And right now, just in time for the season of gift giving, this Portable Nintendo Switch Dock Conversion Cable can be yours for only $17.99 (reg. $29). But you’ll need to act fast — though there’s no coupon code required, this deal only lasts through November 16.
The Portable Nintendo Switch Dock Conversion Cable lets you fit in some gaming anytime, anywhere, as you won’t need your dock to have a seamless gaming experience. It’s a Nintendo Switch HDMI cable that supports 4K resolution and works with other USB-C devices, offering a plug-and-play experience that lets you get right to playing your favorite games.
With this conversion cable, you can kick bulky docking stations to the curb and quickly charge your Nintendo Switch from anywhere with 100W fast charging. Not only does it make gaming more convenient, it’s simple to use and affordable, making it a must-have gaming accessory for your arsenal.
Give the gift of gaming on the go this holiday season with the Portable Nintendo Switch Dock Conversion Cable, only $17.99 (reg. $29), with no coupon code required, now through November 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Personal branding is more than a self-promotion exercise. It’s the art of building a holistic professional identity that aligns with your skills, values and career goals. A great personal brand can help you attract customers and business partners while establishing your authority as a leader in your industry.
If you’ve been in the business world, you’ll surely know that a great image and loyal following can make all the difference to your market share and sales. This is where the unparalleled platform for personal branding for professionals across industries and careers comes in. Yes, I’m talking about LinkedIn!
LinkedIn reigns supreme as the go-to professional networking platform for building a brand. With a whopping 875 million members and 310 million monthly active users as of 2023, most being business professionals, LinkedIn is a goldmine of branding opportunities for a professional. Your target customers and prospective business partners are waiting for you, but navigating through such a crowded field to get yourself heard can be daunting.
Thankfully, LinkedIn offers the tools you need to succeed on the platform. You need to make the most of LinkedIn’s inbuilt features to stand out from the crowd and establish your brand — if you want to learn how you’re at the right place! In this article, we’ll explore 20 innovative features that can help you master personal branding on LinkedIn in 2024 and beyond.
Gone are the days when LinkedIn was just a digital resume. Now, you can share Stories, just like on Instagram or Snapchat. Use them to give people a peek into your workday or share quick career tips. And if you want to go big, you can even use Stories Ads to reach a wider audience. It’s a fun and interactive way to boost your personal branding on LinkedIn.
Live videos are a game-changer for personal branding on LinkedIn. Imagine the possibilities — hosting a webinar, conducting a live Q&A session, or even giving a virtual tour of your workspace. It’s like having a virtual stage where you can showcase your expertise and engage with your audience in real-time.
3. LinkedIn polls
Curious about what your network thinks about a hot industry topic? Or maybe you’re looking for feedback on a project? LinkedIn Polls are your best friend. They’re a simple yet powerful tool for gathering insights and sparking meaningful conversations, enhancing your personal branding on LinkedIn.
4. Product pages
If you’re selling B2B products, listen up! LinkedIn Product Pages are akin to having a dedicated website within LinkedIn. It’s a multifaceted feature that not only adds credibility but also serves as a direct channel for potential business opportunities, boosting your personal brand’s reach and reputation.
Here’s something for all the data enthusiasts — LinkedIn’s analytics, a treasure trove of insights. You can track engagement metrics and even understand the demographics of your audience. This feature is like having a personal branding dashboard that helps you fine-tune your content strategy based on real-time feedback.
6. Creator mode
Activating Creator Mode is akin to spotlighting your content creation efforts. It changes the layout of your profile to highlight your posts and encourages more people to follow you rather than connect. It’s a subtle yet effective way to enhance your personal brand.
7. Cover story
You know how they say first impressions last? Well, the Cover Story feature lets you add a short video intro to your profile. Think of it as your elevator pitch but in video form. Well-designed cover stories are a fantastic way to make a memorable first impression.
In today’s world, inclusivity is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must. Adding your pronouns and a name pronunciation guide may seem like small gestures, but they go a long way in making everyone feel seen and respected. It’s a step towards building a more inclusive personal brand that resonates with a diverse audience.
9. Skills assessments
LinkedIn Skills Assessments serve as a third-party validation of your skills, whether Python programming or SEO expertise. Passing these assessments not only adds credibility but also signals to your network and potential employers that you have the skills you claim to have, further solidifying your personal branding efforts on LinkedIn.
10. LinkedIn newsletter
Starting a LinkedIn Newsletter is not just about sharing long-form content. It’s about building a community. It offers a platform to delve deeper into topics you’re passionate about and engage with your audience on a more intimate level. Over time, this can position you as a thought leader in your field, significantly boosting your personal branding on LinkedIn.
Hosting a LinkedIn Event is a fantastic branding exercise. Whether it’s a virtual panel discussion or an in-person networking session, these events offer a unique opportunity to bring like-minded professionals together. It’s a great way to provide value, share expertise and build a community, all of which are vital in strong personal branding.
12. LinkedIn conversation ads
Imagine sending a personalized ad right into someone’s LinkedIn inbox. That’s what Conversation Ads lets you do. Conversation Ads offer a more personalized and intimate way to engage potential clients or collaborators. It takes a direct approach that can yield high engagement rates, making it a valuable tool in your personal branding arsenal.
13. LinkedIn lead gen forms
LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms help simplify the often tedious process of data collection. One click and voila! You’ve got yourself a high-quality lead. With pre-filled information, these forms make it easier for people to engage with your content. It’s a user-friendly feature that makes your personal branding efforts more effective and efficient.
14. LinkedIn dynamic ads
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill ads! Dynamic Ads are a step above traditional advertising. They use the viewer’s LinkedIn profile data to personalize the ad in real-time. This level of personalization can significantly increase engagement rates, making your advertising efforts more effective and aligned with your personal branding goals.
Why tell when you can show? Video Ads let you bring your brand story to life. They offer a dynamic storytelling medium. These ads are all about conveying your brand message in a more engaging and memorable way, enhancing your personal branding efforts on LinkedIn.
16. LinkedIn carousel ads
Think of Carousel Ads as a mini-slideshow that allows you to showcase multiple products or narrate a story slide by slide. This feature offers a unique and creative avenue to engage your audience, making it easier to convey complex messages or highlight various aspects of your brand. It’s an inventive approach to enrich your personal branding on LinkedIn.
17. Featured section and articles
Your LinkedIn profile is your personal branding billboard. Use the Featured Section to showcase your best work, whether it’s a project, article, or even a testimonial. It serves as a portfolio that visitors can explore, offering a more rounded view of your expertise and skills. Leveraging the featured section, you can focus on putting your best foot forward.
18. Recommendations and endorsements
Nothing boosts your credibility like a glowing recommendation or skill endorsement. It’s social proof that you’re as awesome as you say you are. Endorsements from people who have worked with you and can vouch for your abilities add a layer of credibility to your personal brand that’s invaluable.
19. InMail
Want to reach out to someone outside your network? InMail helps you break down the barriers by allowing you to reach out to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of whether they’re in your network. It’s like having a VIP pass to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, or collaborators, expanding your reach and influence.
20. LinkedIn learning coach, accelerate for marketing, and more
LinkedIn is constantly rolling out new features like a Learning Coach and Accelerate for Marketing. Whether it’s recommending courses to enhance your skills or optimizing your marketing campaigns, these features offer actionable insights that can be instrumental in boosting your personal brand.
Ready to boost your personal brand?
Personal branding on LinkedIn is a dynamic, ongoing process that requires strategic use of the platform’s multifaceted features, as we discussed. And the most important factor here is undeniably the content you present. If you don’t know where to start, consider the expertise that an experienced design agency can bring in crafting impactful content to create a cohesive and compelling professional narrative.
I got out of prison 4 months ago. I’ve been living with my grandma (God bless her) so I’ve been able to save up some money and this is the first car I’ve ever bought! Just wanted to say to y’all to keep your heads up and trust that your effort will pay off in the end. I was riding my bike 15 miles a day to and from work and I was able to pay cash for this car. It was $1200 to get my license reinstated after a federal drug indictment and the car was $3800 after taxes. Don’t ever give up! Don’t ever lose hope!
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. reported third-quarter results that beat top- and bottom-line expectations Wednesday, as the movie-theater chain and meme-stock darling swung to a profit.
The company swung to net income of $12.3 million, or 8 cents a share, compared with a loss of $226.9 million, or $2.20 a share, in the prior year’s quarter. Excluding nonrecurring items, AMC AMC, -1.27%
reported a loss of 9 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet were looking for a loss of 25 cents a share.
Revenue grew 45.2% to $1.406 billion, above the FactSet consensus of $1.260 billion. AMC’s adjusted Ebitda was $194 million.
“For both revenue and adjusted Ebitda, these were AMC’s most successful third-quarter results in our company’s entire 103-year history, by definition being greater than the third quarter of pre-pandemic 2019,” AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron said in a statement. “For the second consecutive quarter, AMC reported positive net income, and we ended the quarter with $730 million of cash. This all suggests that we are well underway on our growth path to recovery from the ravages of the COVID pandemic.”
“What is perhaps most impressive of all is that our success in the third quarter came at a time when our attendance at the domestic box office in the quarter was still 16% below comparable 2019 levels,” Aron added. “That success is because our contribution per patron was up 30% versus 2019.”
Admissions revenue was $797.7 million, above the FactSet consensus of $739 million. Food and beverage revenue was $482.7 million, above the FactSet consensus of $449 million.
AMC’s stock fell 1.3% in extended trading Wednesday. The company’s shares are down 71.9% in 2023, compared with the S&P 500 index’s SPX
gain of 14.2%.
Speaking during a conference call to discuss the results, Aron said that the short-term impact of the writers’ and actors’ strikes will cause challenges for AMC in 2024. “Without taking sides … we strongly encourage all the parties involved to come to the negotiating table with the intent of reaching an agreement immediately,” he said.
The AMC CEO also discussed the success of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking concert film, which opened Oct. 12. “Both as distributor and exhibitor, AMC benefited handsomely,” he said, adding that AMC Theatres Distribution is following this success with the release of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” which hits theaters globally Dec. 1.
“In working with two of the most admired pop stars on the planet, we already have touched lightning,” Aron added. “We are optimistic, though, that this will lead to much more ahead … we believe that we will have several more concert film products in 2024 and 2025. We intend to be working with some of the most known and most loved musical artists the world has ever known.”
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In a world where information is readily available, and competition is fierce, standing out as a speaker in a saturated industry can be a daunting task.
However, with the right approach and a few strategic moves, you can set yourself apart and make a lasting impact. As a professional paid speaker who has spoken at several organizations and conferences over the last 10 years, there are a few hacks that I’ve learned along the way.
Here are seven tips to help you shine in a crowded field.
1. Find your unique voice
The first step toward standing out is to discover what sets you apart from others.
Identify your unique perspectives, experiences and expertise that make you different from the rest of the field. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through your presentations by being yourauthentic self. Authenticity is the key to capturing the attention and trust of your audience.
2. Define your niche
Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific niche within your industry.
Specializing in a particular area allows you to develop deep knowledge and expertise, making you the go-to expert for that niche. This targeted approach helps you build a reputation and attract an audience that is genuinely interested in your expertise.
There’s a saying that I love that says, “Instead of going a mile wide and three feet deep, try going three feet wide and a mile deep.”
In other words, the deeper you go, the more your audience wants to know.
The quality of your content is crucial for standing out. Invest time into researching, developing and refining your presentations.
Offer fresh perspectives, valuable insights and actionable takeaways for your audience. By consistently delivering high-quality content, you will build a reputation as a speaker worth listening to. If creating high-quality presentations is not one of your strong points, it’s okay to hire a professional who can make you and your presentation look top-notch so that you can focus on making sure your delivery is exceptional and memorable.
4. Hone your storytelling skills
Storytelling is a powerful tool for captivating any audience.
Develop your storytelling skills to engage and inspire your listeners. Craft compelling narratives that connect with people on an emotional level. Well-told stories will make your message memorable and differentiate you from others in your field.
Stories that gently tug on the heartstrings of the audience are always a win. Making a head connection (with information) is good, but making a heart connection (with authentic and emotional stories) is great.
5. Embrace multimedia and technology
In a digital age, incorporating multimedia elements into your presentations can make a significant impact.
Utilize visuals, videos and interactive tools to enhance your message and engage your audience. Embracing technology and innovative presentation techniques will demonstrate your adaptability and help you stand out from traditional speakers.
With all of the new artificial intelligence platforms and software that are now available, it’s a great time to see which ones are a good fit for you and your business. Taking a class or a course in AI isn’t a bad idea.
Building a strong network is essential for any speaker.
Attend industry events, conferences and seminars to connect with fellow professionals and potential clients. Seek out speaking opportunities where you can showcase your expertise. Collaborate with other influencers in your field to expand your reach and gain credibility. Make eye contact, shake as many hands as possible, and get as many business cards as possible so that you can follow up. The fortune is in the follow-up.
7. Continuously improve
Never stop learning and improving your skills as a speaker. Seek feedback from your audience, colleagues and mentors. Take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as workshops and courses, to refine your speaking abilities.
By investing in self-improvement, you will continuously evolve as a speaker and stay ahead of the competition. There are always new techniques and strategies being created and developed that you can take advantage of.
Standing out as a speaker in a saturated industry requires a combination of authenticity, expertise and strategic positioning. By finding your unique voice, focusing on a niche, delivering exceptional content, mastering storytelling, embracing multimedia, networking strategically and continuously improving, you can carve out your space and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember, it takes time and persistence, but with dedication and passion, you can rise above the noise and become a sought-after speaker in your field.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Can you learn to be an entrepreneur? It’s a common question in entrepreneurship circles. After all, an entrepreneur is a little of everything—a visionary, hustler, builder, and boss. Can you learn that stuff in a classroom? The answer is yes and no: You don’t have to go to school for it, but doing so can help accelerate your growth and provide you with the fundamentals for entrepreneurial success. Not all elements of entrepreneurship can be found in a book, of course, which is why the best colleges and universities have robust programs that support students’ startups and help build the kind of networks that last a lifetime.
So which are the best schools? Entrepreneur has partnered with The Princeton Review for 18 years to answer that question—ranking the top undergraduate and graduate programs for entrepreneurs. This year’s survey considered hundreds of colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe, and evaluated them on a multitude of factors—including their programming, their available mentors, and their graduates’ success rates in the business world. Read on to see which schools made the grade. (To read more about our methodology, pick up the Dec. 2023 issue of Entrepreneur.)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 291
What Sets Us Apart
Rice Innovation Fellows supports grad students with education, dedicated space, personalized mentorship and non-dilutive funding to transition research from the lab to the real world. Tech Commercialization Lab pairs MBAs with PhDs to create multidisciplinary teams translating cutting-edge technologies into commercial products. Lilie Launchpad provides equity-free funding, development workshops, community/social events, and 1:1 mentorship. Napier Rice Launch Challenge provides over $165K in equity-free funding across two separate competitions. Summer Venture Studio immersive accelerator program provides student ventures with $15K each and mentorship. Venture Capital E-Lab course provides VC experience, meaningful connections, and network by working in proximity with a partner VC firm. Owlspark provides Rice-affiliated startups resources, funding, and space to launch companies/technologies. It has served 63 startups and over 159 entrepreneurs (48% are still active, and have raised over $24M). BlueLaunch is tailored for the non-tech small business entrepreneur. Rice Alliance hosts the Texas Life Science and Energy Tech Venture Forums, two of the largest energy and life science venture capital conferences in the region. Rice Business Plan Competition is one of the world’s richest and largest business plan competitions, with more than 269 past competitors in business today or successfully exited having raised nearly $5.5 billion in capital and over $7.6 billion in exit dollars.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 503
What Sets Us Apart
An entrepreneurial vision began at the University of Michigan in 1927 with the launch of the first family business class. Since this initial offering, the entrepreneurial curriculum at U-M has grown to include courses in opportunity recognition, commercializing a concept, holistic thinking, team development, venture capital, and more. The courses and programs bridge the gap between academia and real-world entrepreneurship by providing immersive opportunities for students to apply their skills in practical settings.
Graduate students experience each step of venture creation. From participating in one of six student-led funds to supporting the launch of a company within our Desai Accelerator program, U-M offers a sample of entrepreneurship for everyone.
While not all students pursue an entrepreneurial career path, U-M recognizes entrepreneurship as a foundational skill set. Our courses cover a broad range of topics, including family business, intrapreneurship, entrepreneurship through acquisition, and new venture creation, inspiring creativity and innovation in students from diverse academic backgrounds.
In addition to our top-ranked programs in business, healthcare, technology, and engineering, U-M offers graduate students the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research projects at an institution with over $1.7 billion in research funding. This combination of academic excellence and real-world experience makes U-M an ideal destination for students exploring entrepreneurship.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 394
What Sets Us Apart
Babson teaches Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® across all disciplines. Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship is the hub for resources, including the Butler Launch Pad which offers co-working spaces, mentors, workshops, competitions, experts, and seed funding.
Our application-based Summer Accelerator, a 10-week intensive provides advisors, mentors, and programming worth over $200K of in-kind services, to accelerate students launching and growing their businesses.
Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (CWEL) empowers and develops women and people of color entrepreneurs, and offers both WIN Lab, an application-based 12-week accelerator for female founders centered on milestone planning, competency building, and connections, and Black Women’s EL, a 6-month virtual action tank.
Social Innovation Lab connects a global, interdisciplinary community of students and mentors dedicated to building social impact ventures. All programs may be taken either for credit or for experience. Institute for Family Entrepreneurship fosters entrepreneurship in family businesses and offers a 4-year Amplifier Program for students to work with classmates from other family businesses and connect with parents and owners of family firms, with the goal of launching entrepreneurial ventures in their family businesses.
Our 10,000-square-foot Weissman Foundry offers a collaboration space, media lab, wood shop, kitchen, and performance space where students can create ideas and prototype.
Courtesy of Washington University in St. Louis
4. Washington University in St. Louis (#2 Midwest)
Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation & Entrepreneurship
St. Louis, MO
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 55
Tuition: $65,219
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 153
What Sets Us Apart
Washington University in St. Louis encourages creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship at all levels and across all disciplines. This distinguishes it from its peer institutions that limit entrepreneurship education to the business school or other academic units. Olin Business School students can take classes in other schools, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. Most courses connect students to the St. Louis community, expanding students’ networks, such as the addition of The League. This class brings in successful entrepreneurs to guide student founders (who are devoting most of their non-class time to launching their ventures). Complementing WashU’s rigorous academics, the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship acts as a hub for co-curricular entrepreneurship activities. The center provides hands-on workshops, graduate fellowships through a partnership with The Graduate Center (open to PhDs in science and humanities and social work students), mentors, grant writing assistance, entrepreneurship competitions, and partnerships with the St. Louis entrepreneurial ecosystem. Most notably, the majority of opportunities are open to ALL undergrad and graduate students, faculty, staff, postdocs, medical students, and alumni. It is this blend of curricular and cocurricular, campus and community, and creativity and entrepreneurship—unlimited by discipline or school—that distinguishes our entrepreneurial offerings.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 216
What Sets Us Apart
UCLA Anderson has been recognized as a leader in entrepreneurial education for several decades. We offer a wide and deep curriculum that provides our students with management skills suited to an entrepreneurial setting and helps them to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Our elective offerings cut across the functional areas of management and multiple disciplines. We also offer courses tailored to our location in Los Angeles and industries in our economy, in sectors such as consumer tech, media and entertainment, real estate, social impact, private equity, and health tech.
Courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin
6. The University of Texas at Austin (#2 Southwest)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 95
What Sets Us Apart
The biggest advantage is the size and variety of offerings that the flagship university of University of Texas at Austin can offer. 62 formal classes across 19 departments specifically focus on entrepreneurship. The ensuing cross-fertilization between MBAs and PhD students in science, engineering, and computer science produces powerful and creative new ideas. We also have an award-winning incubator, world-famous competitions, student organizations, and mentorship programs that are campus-wide and well-connected to the business community.
Our MSTC Program prepares tech and business professionals for moving technologies from concept to market. Candidates learn to evaluate emerging technologies, identify customers and marketing strategies, develop broad, flexible business plans, build a management team to drive the new venture, devise approaches for securing funding, and manage intellectual property.
The completion of our new 500,000-square-foot Rowling Hall brings together in one space the main powerhouse entrepreneurship programs at the University: the full-time MBA, the MS in Tech Commercialization and the Texas Venture Labs.
The city of Austin offers strong advantages. Startups account for a larger share of business in Austin than in nearly all major US metros and Austin ranks 5th for new business per 1,000 population. Austin is at or near the top of similar lists by Crowdspring, Business.org, and Forbes’ ranking of cities creating the most tech jobs in the country for the past several years.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 395
What Sets Us Apart
Graduate students pursuing or interested in entrepreneurship quickly discover a robust slate of programming and opportunity at the University of Washington. Graduate students work next to undergraduate students in the Creative Destruction Lab multi-quarter course to help massively scalable, seed-stage, science-based companies. CDL-Seattle is just the third US offering and is hosted in the Foster School of Business. Graduate students choose post-career opportunities like the 12-month Master of Science in Entrepreneurship to launch their own idea or something new. The Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate offers students a chance to work with UW inventors on their market-ready applications and can apply for fellowships in UW technology ventures or local angel funds. The multi-day digital health workshop and consumer product workshops connect students to real-world professionals to develop their ideas. The Engineering Innovation in Health program brings together undergrads, graduate students, post-docs, and more to provide experience in medical device development and innovation. The Institute of Protein Design (IPD) offers graduate and PhD students a chance to become founders on revolutionary technologies. Collectively, IPD spinouts have raised more than $1 billion dollars, fueling Seattle’s biotech boom. Graduate students can also harness real-world startup investment experience in the 3-quarter Angel Investing course where real money is invested and earned.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 174
What Sets Us Apart
Darden is distinguished by a long-held commitment to developing world-class entrepreneurs and entrepreneurially minded leaders, evidenced by:
Robust Endowment for Entrepreneurship: A $158+ million endowment is solely dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation and administered by the Batten Institute.
Largest Pool of Entrepreneurial Scholarships: The prestigious Batten Scholarships offer full and partial-tuition scholarships to dozens of Darden MBAs annually (25+ are typically full rides).
Renowned Faculty: Teaching excellence is a hallmark of Darden, and instructors in entrepreneurship and innovation comprise over 25% of all faculty. Darden faculty in fact helped create the discipline of entrepreneurship in business academia.
Abundance of Courses: Darden has nearly 30 graduate courses directly related to entrepreneurship touching 4 in 5 students. Students also benefit from workshops, bootcamps and field experiences via our 10+ staff
Venture Acceleration: From “Startup Academy” to our paid Summer i.Lab Incubator (with follow-on non-dilutive funds), Darden students have plentiful opportunities to nurture their ventures from idea to reality.
Sponsored Internships: The Darden Venture Fund Fellows and Batten Venture Internships support dozens of students in kickstarting careers with high-growth startups and VCs.
On-Site InnovationLab: Darden operates UVA’s flagship iLab, a 10,000-square-foot facility with a maker space that supports a variety of venture creation programs.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 157
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate offerings are distinct in several aspects:
We designed an interdisciplinary 30-credit program with two engineering courses and other courses that have a strong STEM character since the focus of the graduate program is technology entrepreneurship.
We offer several opportunities where students can take an internship at a startup, large company, accelerator, or one of our own incubators on the USF campus.
Our program offers students the opportunity to gain experience pitching in several pitch competitions with different foci; we pioneered a very experiential competition that unfolds over one full academic year based on the commercialization of a new product. Student teams compete to head up three teams that each obtain $250K startup capital and place the product in different venues around the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Teams had to report monthly to a board of directors the progress they made. The team with the highest revenues won $ 75K, the runner-up team won $ 25K, and the third-place team won $10K.
We offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with new ventures in a foreign country. Last year, we took 23 students to Costa Rica.
Our graduate program is tightly integrated with our Student Innovation Incubator and we strongly encourage our students to try out their ideas and with the help of mentors assess whether the idea can be shaped into a viable business.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 252
What Sets Us Apart
NU is known for its experiential education and so the courses tie theory with practice. The courses take advantage of the strong entrepreneurship ecosystem we have on campus and the multiple sister schools we have around the world. The courses are populated by students all across campus, as entrepreneurship is tied into their curricula. This cross-disciplinary environment is bolstered by students and faculty. We have faculty in 23 departments teaching entrepreneurship. Our faculty teaching the courses are research-productive, so they are developing courses from their research. This allows us to provide great breadth and depth in offerings. A hallmark of NU is its emphasis on experiential learning and its co-op program. NU is consistently rated by the Princeton Review as the number one co-op school in the country. This is reflected in teaching approaches as the culture at NU is to mix the classroom with experiential activities. NU has one of the most active entrepreneurship ecosystems in the country. Princeton Review rated NU the 4th most entrepreneurial campus. Our students are required to work with startups through the student-run accelerator, IDEA, or to create their own companies. The FT MBA requires a 6 month co-op, where students are working full-time with companies in their fields. Students are therefore learning both theory and practice.
Courtesy of Erasmus University Rotterdam
11. Erasmus University Rotterdam (#1 International)
Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, Erasmus Enterprise, Yes!Delft Rotterdam (3 institutes)
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 37
Tuition: $58,276
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 120
What Sets Us Apart
The Master in Strategic Entrepreneurship provides students the entrepreneurial competencies and skills, and the strategic entrepreneurship theories to discover, recognize, and exploit business opportunities for existing firms or by building a new one. Our aim is to provide high-quality training that allows students to start their own companies or have entrepreneurial jobs within established firms. One important aspect of our offering is to train for both entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship. Students are exposed to a variety of entrepreneurial challenges that allow them to acquire entrepreneurial skills needed for their careers (either within an existing organization or for a new venture).
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 37
What Sets Us Apart
All MBA students in the Rainbolt Graduate School of Business select a specialty area. Entrepreneurship is one of the most popular specialties. All Entrepreneurship students submit proposals to the statewide business plan competition, the Love’s Cup, and other plan and pitch events. To prepare, students take courses in lean startup and business canvas principles and receive mentoring from practicing entrepreneurs, industry experts, and world-class entrepreneurial faculty. Along each step of the entrepreneurial journey, as students ideate, research, develop and launch ventures, students are engaged in experiential programming, internships, and networking with the entrepreneurial community. Students have access to and are supported in using cutting-edge 3D printing, digital fabrication, and advanced VR technologies in the Tom Love Innovation Hub where we provide collaborative learning spaces. Regular courses are supplemented by 1-credit hour courses in Strategic Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Family Business and Entrepreneurial Law. The MBA program requires all students to study abroad and trips are now focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe and Asia. Overall, we offer a highly favorable environment for graduate entrepreneurship students to achieve their business launch, company renewal, and economic development goals.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 89
What Sets Us Apart
UMD’s entrepreneurship programs were featured in two Chronicle of Higher Education cover stories: “Now Everyone’s an Entrepreneur” (2015), “Can Design Thinking Transform Higher Ed?” (2017). UMD is embedding lean startup and design thinking into the core curriculum for every UMD student.
Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship (mte.umd.edu): Launched in 2014, this 15-month, 30-credit exclusively online program focuses on launching and leading innovative startups and corporate ventures. Being 100% online means 1) maximum geographic flexibility with 30% of students outside the US, and 2) maximum time flexibility for working professionals. In typical years, the program graduates 30+ students annually.
National Science Foundation Innovation Hub: UMD is 1 of only 10 leading universities in the US in NSF’s lab-to-market I-Corps innovation hub program.
Dingman Center (est. 1986): This award-winning hub creates an inclusive environment to educate, empower, and equip students with the skills to be an entrepreneur and the resources to make their ideas a reality.
I-Corps Venture Internship and FedTech: With UMD’s $750M in annual research and its close proximity to 87 federal labs, the UMD’s I-Corps Venture Internship and partnership with FedTech offers grad students opportunities to explore the commercialization of promising technologies from UMD and federal labs like NASA.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 139
What Sets Us Apart
One of our unmatched qualities is the ability for students to get an exceptional academic experience learning entrepreneurship inside of the classroom and then immediately apply what they have learned through our wide array of programs and offerings outside of the classroom. This allows thousands of students to bring their educations to life and start their entrepreneurial journeys while still enrolled in college. No other university provides the same depth and variety of entrepreneurial learning and experiences as we do at the University of Utah.
The opportunities we provide students to learn and explore entrepreneurship include academics, competitions, grants, workshops, prototype assistance, networking, mentoring, and more. All of our extracurricular programs are free for all students at the University of Utah.
Students have access to Lassonde Studios, a one-of-a-kind building that mixes a 20,000-square-foot creative space on the main floor with 400 residences above and which has received worldwide attention, including features in the New York Times and Architectural Digest.
Our support doesn’t end at graduation. Starting in the fall of 2022, all students at the University of Utah are welcome to join our new alumni program, called Lassonde for Life. This program provides free, lifelong entrepreneurial support to all alumni through workshops, networking opportunities, resources, and more.
Courtesy of The University of Texas at Dallas
15. The University of Texas at Dallas (#4 Southwest)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 99
What Sets Us Apart
Experiential learning on launching startups, commercializing IP, and partnering with corporations. We partner with organizations such as the DOD and AT&T to bring real-world problems to students to develop new technologies and innovations. Our venture capital courses place students in venture capital firms for a semester, conducting due diligence with the partners.
We work with all students across campus, including the rapidly growing BioEngineering & Sciences program. One student spinout CerSci Therapeutics was acquired for what will be $900M (based on milestones), proving our academic and resource support model for any UTD grad student.
We host multiple events for students to meet and learn from prominent business leaders.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 185
What Sets Us Apart
UT’s Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MSE) offers distinguishing features like experiential learning, allowing students to work on their projects or with companies in UT’s incubator and accelerator programs. This real-world application of concepts is vital for pragmatic business understanding. Additionally, the program offers a customized learning approach, tailored to each student’s objectives. Our affiliation with the acclaimed Lowth Entrepreneurship Center provides access to expert advisors and a thriving entrepreneurial community. Students can utilize assignments to prepare business plans and investor presentations, presenting a practical advantage in the real world.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 103
What Sets Us Apart
We have dense graduate academic offerings: entrepreneurship majors in business, campus-wide minors and supporting areas in entrepreneurship open to all, and 104 classes with entrepreneurship content across 20 departments. We support entrepreneurship in all its forms with a nationally recognized entrepreneurship center, student business and medical technology accelerators, two makerspaces, an NSF I-Corps site, a shared-use kitchen and student-led cafe, a student-led entrepreneurship legal clinic, and two on-campus incubator spaces. We strive for innovation in action from our collection of competitions (elevator pitch, hackathon, etc.), to the textbook we have developed that showcases our approach (Entrepreneurial Small Business from McGraw-Hill) and that is used in over 250 US schools, to innovative pedagogy such as classes co-taught by standing faculty (many with entrepreneurial experience) and local practicing entrepreneurs and experts. We have tight and deep integration with one of America’s top-ranked startup cities (see WSJ, Kauffman, etc.). Our team members are prominent players in national entrepreneurship efforts like the Chaifetz Fellows Network, Kern Engineering Entrepreneurship Network, and the Experiential Classroom.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 81
What Sets Us Apart
Notre Dame’s graduate entrepreneurship programs are distinguished by their commitment to values embodied in the university’s mission of being a “force for good in the world.”
ND has a global network of eleven campuses including Dublin, Jerusalem, Beijing and Mumbai. The ESTEEM Program and IDEA Center are leveraging these to recruit startups to South Bend, Indiana, so they can tap into campus resources as a launchpad for their US market entry while gaining access to an alumni network of 150,000+ members. Local resources include a technology de-risking team, mentoring, funding, prototyping, lab/office space, and more, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.
A hallmark of ESTEEM is the eleven-month long experiential capstone project. In 2023, 6 of the 58 capstone projects are with European companies. Through these projects, ESTEEM is developing local economies while also providing global networking and partnering opportunities for students and founders. The Migrant Impact Network, serving the humanitarian needs of 100 million forcibly displaced people, began as an ESTEEM capstone project. ND signed an MOU with the PorterShed, a leading incubator in Ireland, and is also working with its Jerusalem campus to offer developer training to Palestinians. Discussions are underway in London.
The ESTEEM Program exemplifies the university’s dedication to fostering global citizenship, promoting innovation, and delivering practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 62
What Sets Us Apart
The Rady School of Management’s MBA program is distinguished by its emphasis on entrepreneurship throughout the entire program. The program’s core courses and electives are built around innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students with a strong foundation in startup business planning, new product development, venture funding, the commercialization of technologies, among many others. In addition, all MBA students are required to take the capstone Lab to Market course sequence. Lab to Market’s three-course sequence begins in the classroom and moves into a project-based environment. Students perform market research and validation, feasibility studies, develop a business case and then a business plan and a go-to market strategy. Working in teams, students generate business ideas, evaluate ideas from companies, and gain exposure to commercialization opportunities. Teams work closely with the Rady School’s robust network of external advisors and coaches as they develop their business strategies. The Lab to Market course is not a classroom simulation, rather a real conduit for students to design and launch a startup company.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 88
What Sets Us Apart
DePaul University sits in the heart of Chicago’s business district and was ranked in the top 25 “most innovative schools” in 2016 by US News & World Report. DePaul has offered academic programs in entrepreneurship since 1982. The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center (CEC) launched in 2003 and provides experiential programs to complement our strong academic record. The CEC opened a $1 million, 5,000-square-foot center in 2016. As the hub of entrepreneurship at DePaul, the CEC connects students/alumni with the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Chicago. CEC programs are designed to be relevant for students/alumni from every college no matter which industry they enter. The CEC empowers students, alumni and community members to build sustainable businesses. Executive Director of the CEC, Bruce Leech (DePaul MBA 1981), founded a $90 million business. He brings strong experiential components to the CEC, connecting the CEC with the entrepreneur community through memberships at 1871, the premier business incubator in the US, and 2112, an incubator for music, film, and creative tech. In 2019, Maija Renko PhD. joined as the Coleman Endowed Chair and brings years of entrepreneurial research to our curriculum. In 2019, we launched the first Women in Entrepreneurship Institute to provide programs, accelerators and research to women in entrepreneurship. We also have our new social impact programs, including our Social Impact Incubator to help entrepreneurship in under-served areas of Chicago.
Blackstone Launchpad powered by TechStars; Couri Hatchery; Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship; Institute for an Entrepreneurial Society
Syracuse, NY
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 39
Tuition: $48,654
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 97
What Sets Us Apart
We have a dedicated department of Entrepreneurship, reflecting SU’s commitment to entrepreneurship as a key aspect of its strategic plan. We instill an entrepreneurial mindset in all students, and they have access to many professors who specialize in researching and teaching entrepreneurship. Tenured faculty publish in leading journals and professors of practice have substantial entrepreneurial experience. A faculty member received the 2023 Mentor Award by the Academy of Management.
Our curriculum allows students to focus on different tracks: new venture creation, social entrepreneurship, family business, and corporate entrepreneurship, so students can take courses designed around their interests. We also offer courses in conjunction with other schools on campus, allowing access to skillsets and resources outside the business school.
We take experiential learning seriously and our students work with companies in both for-profit and social settings. We help them take what they learn inside the classroom and put it into action. We pair them up with entrepreneurs from the community via internships, consulting projects, specialized courses, community engagement, etc. We work with over 2000 entrepreneurs per year in our Women’s Business Center, South Side Innovation Center, and more. Our Blackstone Launchpad has had tremendous success with student startups given robust mentoring and coaching activities. This led to students receiving national media exposure (Newsweek, AdWeek, & others).
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 17
What Sets Us Apart
A distinguishing attribute of our graduate program is the significant amount of applied learning that takes place as the students work with local small businesses to develop growth strategies, explore commercialization opportunities for university research, or launch businesses based on their own ideas. The combination of academic excellence with practical application has resulted in significant recognition over the years. In addition to The Princeton Review/Entrepreneur Magazine having named us as one of the top programs, we were ranked #6 in the US for Entrepreneurship education by the Financial Times, named “Model Entrepreneurship MBA Program” by USASBE, given an Excellence in Entrepreneurship Teaching Innovation by GCEC, and awarded a $5M Kauffman Campus grant. In addition, UW-Madison is consistently ranked among the top ten institutions in NSF research funding. These awards are just a few examples of the UW-Madison campus’ successful history of business, academic and social entrepreneurship. The UW works closely with the community and early-stage investors to make student participation integral to the vibrant university start-up ecosystem.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 26
What Sets Us Apart
A graduate student at BU who is interested in entrepreneurship has a variety of classes available to them both in their school and in other schools. This leads to a rich classroom environment with students from diverse backgrounds working on projects together. Outside the classroom, we have robust experiential extracurricular programs designed specifically for graduate students. These include the VCIC venture capital competition and the G51 program, which gives students the opportunity to do due diligence on “live” deals. We also have the Catalyst program, which teaches students how to undertake customer discovery on technologies that have been discovered in BU’s research labs. On completion of this experiential program, the student obtains a micro-credential in Customer discovery. We also have a thriving university-wide co-curricular program that allows students to create their own ventures or work on their own projects. This is through the Innovate@BU initiative, which is now six years old. A wide variety of programming is held in the BUild Lab, a customer-build innovation space on campus that is closely located to EPIC, a 15,000-square-foot maker space. Both of these facilities are open to all students on campus.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 24
What Sets Us Apart
Online (in 2024), and face-to-face Master’s program
A 9-month STEM (starting 2024) STEM-certified dual intrapreneur/entrpreneur track
Business and design “killer” combo with world-class faculty
Highly desired degree from #1 ranked university in innovation, and #3 in entrepreneurship
An ASU ecosystem that has generated over $1 billion in funding across 1,000 start-ups
Top 10 schools for US patents, and partnership with government labs to monetize existing patents
Partnership with US government program that allows students to work on existing patents, and build business model to monetize them, including the grandfathering of the IP technology license.
J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, ranked no.3 in Kaufman Entrepreneurship growth index, has disbursed over $60 million+ in start-up funding
Skysong Innovation to protect IP created by entrepreneurs
Venture Devils and local angel funding ecosystem gives out $450K every year to promising start-ups
Study-abroad program coming in 2024 that allows for a global perspective
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 15
What Sets Us Apart
The Close School’s MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed for recent graduates and working professionals looking to develop and build on their understanding of and experience with entrepreneurship and innovation. The major focuses on developing the entrepreneurial mindset and the skills associated with new venture creation and corporate innovation, and the minor is designed to enrich students’ academic discipline-based programming with applied coursework. The MS prepares students to innovate within established companies, work for small/growing ventures, start a new venture, and/or seek self-employment. Personally, students learn and apply an approach to building entrepreneurial skills and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. The Close curriculum is designed around these skills, including:
The Lean Launch, which positions students to start a real business; Learning from Failure, which creates the conditions for students to learn from failure and appreciate risks that come with launch and growth; and Entrepreneurship Essentials, which builds skills and competencies that entrepreneurs need in a fast-moving job market.
Schuylkill Yards, a 14-acre “innovation neighborhood” located between Drexel and Philly’s Amtrak station includes 5 million square feet of entrepreneurial space; teaching and research facilities; corporate offices; and residential, retail, and cultural venues, embedding the Charles D. Close School within part of an even more extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 17
What Sets Us Apart
Programs are co-created with student leaders. We believe that an entrepreneurship program should be entrepreneurial, and students are considered co-founders and leaders of all of our programs.
Proximity to Silicon Valley. We bring tech founders and investors up from the Bay Area on a regular basis, and every year bring our students to SF and Seattle for on-site visits and events. I spent 10 years leading entrepreneurial programs at Michigan in Ann Arbor prior to coming to Oregon, and we’ve been able to productively engage more SF-based stakeholders this year than any of the years I was at Michigan.
Connectivity with cutting-edge biotechnology. The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact is a $1B initiative to advance bioengineering and applied science research. Students from the Knight Campus participate side by side with business students to develop commercialization plans for deep tech.
Collaborative community building across many disciplines. Our programs serve students across the entire UO campus and we encourage multidisciplinary team formation whenever possible.
Opportunities to work directly with faculty members on IP-based innovations.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 12
What Sets Us Apart
Our Mission: We have been teaching entrepreneurship with a focus on ethics and social responsibility since 1972 before it was a hip thing to do. Our students/graduates are values-centered and possess moral courage. They build businesses that have a purpose and leave a positive impact.
Our Innovative Curriculum: We have 2 MS programs that are unique, one focused on Sustainable Innovation and the other on global entrepreneurial experiences. We also have top-notch modules in our MBA program. There’s also a spectacular cocurricular program that includes The Hilton Lecture Series, Dinner With a Winner, Startup Weekend, New Idea Pitch Competition, Incubator Showcase, and more.
Our Location (Silicon Beach): We are located in the center of one of the most vibrant ecosystems for entrepreneurial activity (e.g., YouTube and SpaceX) that offer immense opportunities for internships, jobs, projects, and funding
Our (family-like) atmosphere: Our faculty and staff members are incredibly dedicated to student success. We maintain a close family-like atmosphere between students, alumni, and faculty that is unlike any other school.
Our Track Record: We have a track record of developing successful entrepreneurs. Our graduates go on to found companies like Dave.com (IPO’d at $4B), Liquid IV (sold for ~$500M), and General Finance Corp (sold for $1B). There are many other successful businesses. Others become entrepreneurial leaders in established companies and their communities.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 16
What Sets Us Apart
Leaders experienced in industry and entrepreneurship guide UConn offerings, which provide opportunities to work on innovative startup projects and with experienced industrial researchers and entrepreneurs. Cross-disciplinary courses promote diverse startup teams and experiential learning. Law students, through an IP clinic, work with startups on patent and commercialization issues. At the Business school, graduate offerings tackle fundamental problems faced by entrepreneurs, inspire and support a robust entrepreneurial culture; often times, working to assist the commercialization efforts of our students in engineering or sciences. Unique research programs related to entrepreneurship expose students to innovative concepts and companies. Those include MURI Programs, GANN Fellowship Program, Industrial Affiliates Program, Electrical Insulation Research Center, GOALI Projects, and the many industry-sponsored centers at our Innovation Partnership Building including a proof of concept center for SMEs.
A new feature of our graduate entrepreneurship experience is the Daigle Labs Foundry, which assists STEM startup founders with organizational development, customer acquisition, and supply chain development. In its first year, our graduate startup founders have recorded millions of dollars in new sales, allowing them to scale faster through direct revenue growth.
StartUP FIU, Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center, Small Business Development Center at FIU, and FIU CARTA Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, Blackstone LaunchPad at FIU
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 36
What Sets Us Apart
Graduate entrepreneurship offerings across multiple disciplines at FIU are characterized by hands-on experiential learning that simulates real-world scenarios, either through an industry experience or an FlU technology-based startup. Graduate students with technical expertise thrive at StartUP FIU because of its strategic focus on research translation. Students participate in rigorous boot camps as well as hands-on founder training and are better prepared to launch their own companies or win external competitions. The College of Businesses has entrepreneurship and innovation specializations in three Professional MBA programs with a heavy emphasis on readings, case studies and group projects. Additionally, the master’s in engineering management program broadens and deepens the students’ understanding of engineering and technology development and design, and includes courses on manufacturing process design, production systems, technology policies and strategies, technology entrepreneurship, and business plan development. The Chaplin School’s long-established graduate internship program assigns students a mentor from a hospitality business that they are then required to work with for one semester. The Ratcliffe Arts + Design Incubator at the College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts (CARTA), is exclusively available to graduate students, giving them access to mentorship from successful artists, performers, and designers.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 20
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate offerings in entrepreneurship are experiential and real-world in nature. Participants gain experience, mentoring, access to social and financial capital in launching and growing their real-world ventures.
Courtesy of New Jersey Institute of Technology
31. New Jersey Institute of Technology (#6 Northeast)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 36
What Sets Us Apart
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a research university focused on technological innovation. This focus is shared by all the colleges at NJIT and distinguishes NJIT from other universities. The entrepreneurship program offered by NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management (MTSM) also shares in this multidisciplinary focus on technological innovation and exposes students to three unique resources. First, NJIT hosts VentureLink, the largest new venture incubator in New Jersey (110,000 square feet) with 90 companies. Entrepreneurship students work in this ecosystem as part of their experiential learning and establish startups there. Second, NJIT hosts the largest and best-equipped makerspace in the state (25,000 square feet), with student-centered intellectual property rights. Third, NJIT is a site for the National Science Foundation I-Corps program, which promotes and funds entrepreneurship among university students and faculty. MTSM and the I-Corps program also prepare students for federal Small Business Innovation Research funding, which provides non-dilutive funding for entrepreneurs with technological innovations that address opportunities with societal significance. MTSM seeks to instill such visionary and impactful skills in its students through the entrepreneurship concentrations in its Masters of Science (MS), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and PhD degree programs.
Courtesy of University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
32. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (#4 South)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 39
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate program is distinguished by pairing hands-on curricula with a deep ecosystem of ancillary mentoring, funding, and support mechanisms for student-led ventures. Students have swept the awards in the scalable ventures track of the statewide business plan competition (AR Governor’s Cup) the last three years and have a record number of wins at international competitions (in 2022–23, teams took 1st place at Ivey BP Competition, 2nd–4th place Stu Clark NV Championship, and placed at many other international competitions)
Features of our graduate program:
Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), a UA accelerator supporting startups in the outdoor sector that offers seed money and specialized training. Student startup UNCL (Universal Network-Controlled Lock) simultaneously pursued ENTR curricula while participating in GORP 2022–2023, securing $45K+ in nondilutive funding.
Graduate ENTR Fellows program, which provides a fellowship and tuition to graduate students across disciplines committed to pursuing tech-based ENTR.
New Venture Development Mentor Network, a unique community that spans the globe, including alumni founders, business leaders, and investors who volunteer to visit Northwest Arkansas for an intensive mentor weekend supporting graduate teams.
Startup Village, an incubator that offers office space, consultation, community support for UA-affiliated companies.
Heartland Challenge, an international high-growth startup comp designed to simulate the process of raising venture capital.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 31
What Sets Us Apart
Committed: TU’s entrepreneurial founder, Russell Conwell, envisioned a school serving self-determined youth who seek to improve their lives through education; TU is committed “to be a leader in encouraging entrepreneurship across all disciplines, so students can create their own success, regardless of economic conditions.”
Scope & Breadth: We serve all 17 schools/colleges including undergrads/grads/alumni/faculty/staff/partners and impact tens of thousands of students every semester.
Urban: Temple is integral to Philly’s urban educational environment: TU students come from the region (community college and urban high-school students are a large percentage of applicants) and TU grads tend to stay in the region. We also run Temple U’s SBDC to support Philly and PA small businesses.
Accelerator / Early-Stage Funding: our 1810 Accelerator—a 9,000-square-foot co-working & accelerator space—opened in 2019 with extensive accelerator programs. We also run several other funding/support programs (e.g., Be Your Own Boss Bowl, Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund, SmarTemple Innovation Fund, Temple Ventures w/ Ben Franklin TP, Blackstone Launchpad).
Philly Ecosystem Keystone: TU is a founding member of the Philadelphia Regional Entrepreneurship Education Consortium (PREEC), runs one of the region’s most significant angel venture groups/programs (MADV), and our Executive Director is ranked among the 100 most influential people in Philly’s regional business.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 61
What Sets Us Apart
The Clemson MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation is designed to bring your ideas to fruition, whether you want to start your own company, innovate at your current job, or address societal needs via the not-for-profit sector.
Students gain the essential business knowledge provided in the corporate program with added emphasis on topics specific to the needs of start-ups, including venture finance, intellectual property, and entrepreneurial strategy.
All MBAe classes are taught by distinguished Clemson professors, successful entrepreneurs, and business leaders who illustrate real-life examples of how to take innovative ideas to market. In addition, students have multiple opportunities to interact with local and national entrepreneurs and business leaders at networking events, including the Innovative Leadership Series and special programming developed through the Phyfer Innovation Hub.
The MBAe program culminates with a business capstone course, and pitch competition called the EnterPrize Awards. During this intensive course, students can pitch their ideas to an audience of business owners, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs over multiple sessions and receive feedback that allows them to refine and perfect their presentations. The ability to convey ideas quickly and effectively is valuable for entrepreneurs and executives alike. The EnterPrize Awards are designed to give students ample opportunity to practice and develop this essential skill.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 33
What Sets Us Apart
We offer a broad range of experiential courses/programs led by a mix of leading academic researchers and experienced practitioners that enable students to gain practical experience and connections with the entrepreneurial community. Our courses enable students to design new products, commercialize University technology, support corporate innovation, and launch/operate real businesses (both within and outside their classes). Students are able to leverage these resources and connections to test and develop new ventures during their graduate school experience.
As one of the only land-grant research universities located in the heart of a major metropolitan area, our graduate students from across campus are continuously connected with the business community. Despite events pivoting to online over the past year, more than 400 speakers, mentors, and judges frequent our campus each year to advise and inspire our students. MN Cup is the largest statewide new venture competition in the country, awarding $5 million in cash prizes and supporting more than 23,000 entrepreneurs since 2005. Gopher Angels investor network provides invaluable connections with leading entrepreneurs and investors. Grow North initiative connects students and alumni with emerging food/agricultural startups and MN-based Fortune 500 corporations. MBA Fellowships support students’ efforts to launch new social ventures, with more than $150K of seed funding available each year to student-founded companies.
Courtesy of The George Washington University
36. The George Washington University (#5 Mid-Atlantic)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 26
What Sets Us Apart
Women’s Leadership: GW’s Business School has the highest proportion of women MBAs in the US. The school is the home to the nationally award-winning women’s entrepreneurship curriculum. GWSB’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership course is the winner of a US Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Award together with the faculty-led ed tech and women’s research initiative: The Hot Mommas Project, which is currently the world’s largest women’s case study library. Outside of the classroom, student leadership opportunities exist through the WEL Fellowship and WEL Council in which student leaders act as leaders and ambassadors in women’s entrepreneurship and interact with mentors from the professional business community.
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center was created to teach, coach, and inspire students to be entrepreneurial in their lives. The Center provides students with the tools and experiences necessary to creatively pursue new opportunities and innovations in the startup, social, and corporate venture arenas.
Through courses, degree programs, and complementary activities such as speakers and workshops, the Center currently serves more than 2,000 students per year. Partnering with other colleges at the University, the Center delivers introductory and specialized courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level and offers every graduate student at the University of Florida the option to earn a graduate minor in entrepreneurship. In addition, the Jeff Gold Experiential Learning Laboratory—which houses the GatorNest program, the Gator Hatchery student incubator, and the IdeaGators Co-Working Space—provides students the opportunity to experience real-life entrepreneurship while still in school. Cocurricular programs that include consulting disadvantaged entrepreneurs in South Africa and our community partnerships in Gainesville, FL, as well as the $40,000 Big Idea Competition, provide additional opportunities to “learn and do,” helping students create an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.
Courtesy of California State University San Bernardino
38. California State University San Bernardino (#8 West)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 0
What Sets Us Apart
The entire experience is fully intensive around entrepreneurship. All 11 courses are entrepreneurship-focused for a deep dive into learning/experiencing entrepreneurship. The focus is to acquire the entrepreneurial mindset and create innovative, growth-oriented ventures. Our pathway approach helps students acquire the entrepreneurial competencies needed to bring venture concepts to life over the course of the 16-month program. As an example:
Semester 1—Students explore new ventures through ideation, problem-solving, and improvisation projects to develop new venture concepts. In addition, they work on a live commercialization project to understand how to bring emerging technologies to market, in partnership with entities such as the US Navy and NASA. Students participate in our fast pitch competition, developing and getting feedback on their emerging venture concepts and competing for prize money.
Semester 2—students do the customer discovery process, build their business/financial model, and hone their pitch in preparation for the campus innovation challenge competition and external pitch competitions.
Semester 3—as the culminating experience, students finalize a new venture launch plan and present their opportunity to the Tech Coast Angels. From student feedback, the Entrepreneurial Improvisation & Creativity course, which focuses on developing skills in creativity, problem-solving, concise communication and thinking on your feet, has been a game changer.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 10
What Sets Us Apart
We have one of the very few PhD programs in the world that is concentrated and dedicated to Entrepreneurship. We also have a cohort-based IMBA (Innovation MBA), which is an MBA program with a curriculum committed to entrepreneurship. All students in this program create an investor-ready and viable business plan to be presented at the Cardinal Challenge competition.
District 3 Innovation Centre The National Bank Initiative in Entrepreneurship and Family Business Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership Dobson Practicum Bob and Raye Briscoe Centre in Business Ownership Studies KPMG-JMSB
Montreal, Canada
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 13
Tuition: $2,300 (in-state); $6,650 (out-of-state)
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 34
What Sets Us Apart
With research centers like the National Bank Initiative in Entrepreneurship and Family Business, the Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership, the Bob and Raye Briscoe Centre in Business Ownership Studies, the KPMG Entrepreneurial Indices and the hands-on support from the Dobson Practicum and the District 3 Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the John Molson School of Business is the ideal place for students with an interest in entrepreneurship. Mentorship programs, entrepreneurs-in-residence, speakers’ series, scholarships, and fellowships bring practical relevance to the academic excellence of our faculty. Experiential learning in the form of the Small Business Consulting Bureau, the Surgical Innovation course, or consulting for non-profit local ventures in the MBA Community Service Initiative are other features that are unique to the John Molson MBA program.
Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship (name changing from AU Center for Innovation 10/2023)
Washington, DC
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 10
Tuition: $44,394
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 43
What Sets Us Apart
careers as entrepreneurs and founders and remain active in local and regional startup programs and organizations. Our entrepreneurship offering is a highly connected, cross-campus program, which includes and activates students from diverse academic disciplines who bring a broad range of perspectives and experiences to solving the world’s most pressing problems. Our center, curriculum, and programs closely integrate classroom teaching with experiential learning opportunities. The result is a broad range of student ventures working on issues that span the economy and maximize social impact: hunger relief, accessibility, clean energy, biotechnology, SaaS software applications, mobile applications, real estate platforms, clean water filtration, educational programming, and so much more. The 35 ventures currently participating in our business incubator interact with each other and with faculty directors and mentors, with quarterly milestones required and reviewed. We offer direct support and small financial grants to each venture.
The distinguishing aspects of our graduate offerings in entrepreneurship include four MBA programs (traditional, online, professional. and executive) and a graduate MS finance program that assists students in pursuing careers as entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. We also offer traditional and executive PhD programs that emphasize entrepreneurship research or related scholarship in business. For graduate students interested in starting a venture, our offerings begin with support for exploration, experimentation, and ideation of business models during the earliest phases of the entrepreneurial journey in technology, biotechnology, and other fields. We provide connection to South Florida’s rich, diverse and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship, networking and coursework. Such coursework includes matching student consulting teams with local start-ups and global companies in our new master’s program in International Business. In the classroom and outside it, our students turn viable ideas into businesses and are assisted in acquiring funding, establishing operations and growing their ventures through our local and global networks. Students seamlessly move from coursework to investigating and launching new ventures. In the process, they receive mentoring, seed funding and potential placement in FAU’s incubator/accelerator. From the accelerator, students can position their ventures for success and high growth regionally, nationally, and globally.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 5
What Sets Us Apart
Our New Venture Creation concentration requires business plan development for new venture ideas and a focus on technology startups. Students cover advanced topics in innovation and entrepreneurship to help increase their skills and further their career goals. Student study the economics of innovation, including the technological change, economic growth, globalization, and longwave cycles that affect innovation in business and organization. Students in the program also take courses on technology-based ventures and entrepreneurship.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 8
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate program recognizes that entrepreneurship goes beyond the world of start-ups and extends into the development and implementation of new projects and products in established corporations, nonprofit institutions, and government. We focus on developing the capabilities and skills required for displaying an entrepreneurial mindset as a business owner or as a corporate business leader. The program is tailored to professionals dealing with business decisions on a day-to-day basis and therefore concentrates on creating value for students who are launching their own business projects or ascending the corporate ladder as difference makers in their organizations. The curriculum covers a wide range of content that is relevant to starting, launching, and scaling a new business while simultaneously offering solutions to small, medium enterprises (SMEs), and big enterprises in the areas of project capital financing, innovation management, product development, and market validation. Our students substantially improve their business networks during their studies. They learn state-of-the-art business practices by integrating their work experience into their courses. In addition, they have access to our Allan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation, enjoy an opportunity to pitch for funding and learn from faculty with experience in start-ups, SMEs, and corporate entrepreneurship. These attributes make our program unique and appealing to young professionals.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 35
What Sets Us Apart
The Sustainable Innovation MBA aims to develop the next generation of leaders who will build, disrupt, innovate, and reinvent sustainable businesses and enterprises in a world that demands it. The Sustainable Innovation MBA program is a one-year, 45-credit AACSB accredited program with a 7-credit summer Practicum Project serving as the “capstone” to integrate and apply all the knowledge, capabilities, and tools garnered in the first nine months to a practical challenge in an actual venture or corporate innovation setting. Students may also use their practicum project to launch their own business. Students also have access to the Innovators in Residence Speaker Series, which serves several purposes. The first is to give students interesting examples of the kind of innovation that we are preparing them for. The second is to introduce the students to entrepreneurs/innovators that we think are role models of the type of professionals that we hope the students will evolve into. The third is to help students develop ideas and contacts for their career development and job search.
Courtesy of State University of New York – Stony Brook University
46. State University of New York – Stony Brook University (#8 Northeast)
Innovation Center, Center for Entrepreneurial Finance, Small Business Development Center
Stony Brook, NY
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 9
Tuition: Varies
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 5
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate offerings in entrepreneurship are unique due to the interdisciplinary nature and experiential learning approach of our courses, mentorship experiences, and competitions. MBAs and all other SBU graduate students find entrepreneurial support and opportunities in the Small Business Development Center, Center for Entrepreneurial Finance, and Innovation Center. Entrepreneurial students find support for their startup aspirations and can further develop in-depth understanding in various different areas, such as biotech and artificial intelligence, via related research centers across campus. These programs offer various opportunities for students to gain mentorship experiences across various industries. Students who wish to develop or pitch their business ideas can compete in our Hackathon and business plan and pitch competitions.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 0
What Sets Us Apart
Regent’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Social Entrepreneurship equips you for such a role. Offered exclusively online, it explores how relevant entrepreneurial business models can prepare you to advance as a social entrepreneur, a leader in social-purpose organizations, a philanthropist, or a director of volunteers in the social sector.
Be equipped to ideate, establish, and lead a new business venture through an ACBSP-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) Entrepreneurship program. This program emphasizes the value of innovation, adaptability, research, and planning to expand a business—all from a Christian worldview. It is taught by a distinguished faculty and is designed to prepare you to own and operate a business.
Your career, your vision, your way. Regent’s Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) in Entrepreneurial Leadership will prepare you to transform systems and teams. This executive doctoral program will ground you in the theory and practical components of communication, team building, and structure essential to organizational success—all from a Christian perspective.
Explore entrepreneurship in the global marketplace and leadership dynamics through Regent’s PhD in Organizational Leadership – Entrepreneurial Leadership program. We’ll equip you to influence and invigorate organizations around the world as a scholar, teacher, or business leader. Our PhD in Entrepreneurial Leadership is a research-based terminal degree.
Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, The Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking, Tulane University Innovation Institute
New Orleans, LA
Number of Entrepreneurship Courses Offered: 11
Tuition: $53,833
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 10
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate offerings stand out by embodying the essence of entrepreneurship—solving intricate problems and fostering collaborative growth. We understand that no startup founder thrives in isolation, and that’s why we cultivate a supportive community for undergraduate students.
The Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation acts as a hub uniting mentors, investors, and students to unravel challenges and foster business creation. The student venture incubator is a launching pad for innovation, where access to Innovators-in-Residence, legal support, peer insights, and pitch contests are at students’ fingertips.
The Taylor Center for Social Impact & Design Thinking’s Changemaker Institute enriches our offerings further. This institute nurtures social ventures through growth, mentorship, and the development of social entrepreneurial skills. It equips students with tools to grasp the intricate nuances of the issues they tackle.
The Tulane University Innovation Institute (TUII) propels innovation by bridging academia and industry. TUII is committed to helping student innovators further develop their ideas, launch startups, and attract the resources that will fuel innovation in the Gulf South and strengthen the area’s economy. TUII’s resources include proof of concept and pre-seed startup investment funds, as well as due diligence, development, and commercialization support from mentors and other business, scientific, and investment experts.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 12
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate offerings in entrepreneurship are available in several flexible formats such as online and hybrid. Our students have the chance to work with local entrepreneurs through interactions with our Center for Entrepreneurship and our local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and students have a field study course where they work on a unique problem with small business owners. Students also have access to successful entrepreneurship mentors from the surrounding community. The new Executive Certificate in Entrepreneurship is a unique eight-week Certificate program delivered in a hybrid format. The program features a unique mix of exposure to academics, industry experts, mentors, professional coaches and startup investors and includes a venture challenge for cash awards at the end of the 8-week session.
Companies Started by Graduates Over the Last 5 Years: 0
What Sets Us Apart
Our graduate courses in entrepreneurship prioritize experiential learning. Our students don’t just study entrepreneurship; they live it. They engage in real-world projects, often working with startups, to learn the process by which ideas are developed, screened, and tested. In addition to projects, our curriculum is designed with real-world applicability in mind. Students learn practical skills such as business planning, marketing, and financial management, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running. Furthermore, we foster a tight-knit entrepreneurial community. Biannual networking events with our alumni and current students, along with partnerships with local businesses, create a supportive system that extends beyond graduation. Finally, for those interested in the academic side of entrepreneurship, our program offers robust research opportunities. Students can collaborate with faculty from the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on cutting-edge research projects, contributing to the field’s advancement.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In a recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show,Jeff interviews Charlie Rocket, a hip hop entrepreneur, music manager, and Nike athlete. Charlie’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of self-belief, taking risks, and making dreams come true.
Charlie’s success began in the music industry, but his most notable accomplishment was creating a fan-made Nike commercial that caught the attention of the brand itself. This bold move not only showcased his creativity but also demonstrated his unwavering belief in his abilities.
Be delusional about your dreams
In the interview, Charlie emphasizes the importance of having a delusional relationship with your dreams. He encourages individuals to believe in themselves, even when others doubt their potential. Charlie firmly believes that this unwavering self-belief is the driving force behind achieving success.
Step out of our box
One of the key takeaways from Charlie’s story is the significance of taking risks and trusting in your vision. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Charlie’s journey is a testament to the rewards of embracing uncertainty and pushing boundaries.
Write down your dreams
Charlie reveals that he wrote down his dreams in a notebook every day. This practice helped him stay focused and motivated, reminding him of his ultimate goals. He also emphasizes the importance of exchanging energy to achieve dreams. Charlie believes success requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to invest time and effort into making dreams a reality.
Beyond his personal achievements, Charlie is now focused on creating a positive and dream-making show that inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs. He is on a mission to make a million dreams come true and encourages successful individuals to join him. Charlie believes that by utilizing their resources, relationships, and ideas, they can make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Throughout the interview, Charlie’s passion and determination shine through. His story serves as a reminder that success is attainable for anyone who believes in themselves and is willing to put in the work. Jeff Fenster, the host of the show, offers his support to Charlie and encourages him to take the time to recharge and heal himself. By prioritizing self-care, Charlie can become the best version of himself and reach his goals.
Charlie Rocket’s journey is an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs. His story highlights the power of self-belief, taking risks, and making dreams come true. By embracing a delusional relationship with our dreams, trusting our vision, and exchanging energy, we can achieve remarkable success. Charlie’s mission to make a million dreams come true reminds us of the importance of using our resources, relationships, and ideas to help others. Let Charlie’s story be a catalyst for your own journey towards success.
About The Jeff Fenster Show
Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.
Gen Z has affectionately dubbed the queens of pop, who have both been on tour around the country, as such thanks to their fierce impact on pop culture; but if you ask us, these two are CEOs in their own right on account of their revenue-driving prowess.
Swift’s U.S. Eras Tour, which ran from March to October, generated $5 billion in consumer spending, according to online research group QuestionPro. Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, which kicked off abroad in May and concluded in the U.S. in October, made $4.5 billion for the U.S. economy, as much as the 2008 Olympics generated for Beijing, according to The New York Times.
Together, the pop icons have generated nearly $10 billion for the economy due to the demand for tickets to their shows — and the amount concertgoers spend to look their best to see their favorite artists.
Apart from their massive reach and influence, they have also proven to be strategic and compassionate business leaders. Although Swift and Beyoncé might not be chief executive officers in the traditional sense, they head exceptionally well-run organizations.
Keep scrolling to see why Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are the top CEOs of 2023.
Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for TAS | Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Taylor Swift attend the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” Concert Movie World Premiere at AMC The Grove 14 on October 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
They are stimulating the economy
A good CEO knows how to make money for their company, but a great CEO understands the importance of building a brand that dominates the market — so much so it finds its way into the zeitgeist and inadvertently benefits related industries.
Considering Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have been consistent figures in pop culture for decades, it’s no surprise other businesses have felt the economic impact of their star power. Fans of both artists spend big on more than just concert tickets.
The average ticket price for both of their shows is nearly $500, and fans have also dished out additional cash for their travel, lodging and outfits.
According to QuestionPro, which surveyed 592 Swifties who attended at least one of her shows, Swift’s fans spent about $93 million per show on tickets, merchandise, travel, hotel, food and clothing, with the average individual fan spending $1,300 for the experience.
Each of the 20 cities Swift visited benefited from her economic impact. Cincinnati estimated that it would see $48 million in additional revenue, with concertgoers spending on hotels, restaurants and shops near the venue, according to the Washington Post.
Los Angeles expected an estimated $320 million boost following six shows in the area, while Denver predicted that Swift’s visit to the state would generate $140 million associated with the show. Kansas City estimated her visit to Arrowhead Stadium generated an estimated $48 million.
According to a report by hotel analytics group STR, tour cities generated $208 million in total hotel revenue over three months and 53 concert nights.
Additionally, her star power impacted small businesses, including an Etsy seller who has made $15,000 by selling 1,500 friendship bracelets for Swift’s shows. Local vendors also made out well, with fans requesting Swift-themed treats. Her tour also generated high-wage jobs around the stadiums — some of which led to long-term employment, per the Washington Post.
“If Taylor Swift were an economy, she’d be bigger than 50 countries; if she was a corporation, her net promoter score would make her the fourth-most-admired brand, and her loyalty numbers mimic those of subjects to a royal crown” Dan Fleetwood, president of QuestionPro Research and Insights, said of the survey. “It’s all a testament to her focus on the fan experience.”
As for Beyoncé, her tour took in about $179 million in a single month, according to Billboard.
QuestionPro surveyed 893 members of the “Beyhive” and found that concertgoers spent $1,800 on average, $300 more than Swifties, with nearly all respondents saying it was worth it and they would spend it again.
According to the research company, the Renaissance World Tour has a net promoter score of 71, which aligns with some of the most beloved brands in the U.S., including Costco and Southwest Airlines.
Etsy sellers also saw a Beyoncé boost after she requested fans wear silver to shows in the final weeks of her tour. The app saw a 25% increase in searches for silver items shortly after Beyoncé’s request, according to The New York Times.
CEOs know the secret to a strong business is happy employees, and bonuses are an obvious way to keep staff content.
Apart from stimulating local economies on their tours, Swift and Beyoncé spread the wealth among their staff — and beyond.
Swift notably gave each of her truck drivers a $100,000 bonus, adding up to $5 million. In total, she spent $55 million on bonuses for Eras Tour workers, including technicians, dancers and caterers.
Although it hasn’t been reported if Beyoncé gave her staff similar bonuses, she donated $2 million to students and small businesses through her BeyGood charity during her tour, according to TODAY. The BeyGood Foundation hosted luncheons the day before her shows and gave entrepreneurs the chance to win a $100,000 grant. The remainder of the funds went to the Renaissance Scholarship Fund.
Luckily for Beyoncé and Swift, their reach goes far beyond the U.S.
Although Swift’s U.S. tour has concluded, she’s expected to drive even more revenue on her international leg beginning in November. She’s expected to perform 146 shows across South America, Asia, Australia and Europe between now and November 2024, according to her website.
Apart from her shows, theEras Tour film, which was released in theaters in October, generated $95 million to $97 million during its opening weekend, according to AMC Entertainment, the highest-grossing domestic release of a concert film ever.
Internationally, the film is expected to generate an additional estimated $31 million to $33 million across international territories, marking a global total of $126 million to $130 million, according to The New York Times.
As for Beyoncé, her international tour helped boost economies outside of the U.S., including Sweden, where she kicked off her tour in May 2023. Economists told NBC News that the spike in demand and surge in costs for hotels and restaurants during her stop in the country resulted in a lower-than-expected 0.2% decrease in Sweden’s inflation figure in June.
“Perhaps all that isn’t just down to her as there are other events taking place, but when you think about what was the cause, she is the prime suspect,” Michael Grahn, chief economist in Sweden for Denmark’s Danske Bank, told the outlet.
Although Beyoncé’s tour started abroad and concluded with the U.S. leg, fans will get to experience her star power once again at the Renaissance concert film, which hits theaters on December 1. According to Deadline, the film has already generated $6 million to $7 million in ticket pre-sales.
With the billions of dollars both artists have generated in the U.S. and abroad as cultural brands, in addition to their compassion for their staff, they have proven to be celebrities with exceptional operations — or CEOs for short.
November offers a false spring for streaming viewers.
After a slow couple of months, there’s suddenly an abundance of top-tier shows on the way, but don’t be fooled — the streaming scene is going to be largely bleak in the coming months, until productions fully ramp up sometime next year following the strikes that have crippled Hollywood.
Meanwhile, streaming costs keep rising (Netflix’s top tier is the first to cross the $20 barrier) and consumers are getting less for their money, with fewer new shows and smaller libraries, while streamers push subscribers toward ad-supported tiers that generate more revenue per user while providing a worse viewing experience. Still, all the ad-supported tiers cost less than $10 a month, meaning it may be time for budget-conscious consumers to suck it up and deal with commercials if they don’t want to break the bank.
That’s why it’s even more important to examine which services you’re really willing to pay for. The days of subscribing to six streaming services — even though you might only regularly watch three — are over. But by adding and canceling services month to month, you can save money while still being able to watch your favorite shows (for example, instead of watching a 12-episode show that drops every week and paying for three months, subscribe for just one month once the show nears its end and binge it all at once).
Such a churn strategy takes some planning, but it pays off. Keep in mind that a billing cycle starts when you sign up, not necessarily at the beginning of the month.
Each month, this column offers tips on how to maximize your streaming and your budget, rating the major services as a “play,” “pause” or “stop” — similar to investment analysts’ traditional ratings of buy, hold or sell, and picks the best shows to help you make your monthly decisions.
Here’s a look at what’s coming to the various streaming services in November 2023, and what’s really worth the monthly subscription fee:
Apple TV+ ($9.99 a month)
The price of Apple TV+ has doubled in a little over a year, and in any other month, it’d be easy to argue it has priced itself out of the range of casual viewers. But Apple’s November lineup is so impressive that it’s actually somehow still a good deal.
The alt-history space drama “For All Mankind” (Nov. 10) returns for its fourth season, with an eight-year time jump after Season 3’s shocking finale. The Mars colony is now thriving, but tensions are rising over the mining of mineral-rich asteroids. Toby Kebbell (“Servant”) joins the cast, along with Daniel Stern and Tyner Rushing, who join holdovers Joel Kinnaman, Krys Marshall, Wrenn Schmidt and Coral Pena. It’s a fantastic and frequently thrilling series, and arguably Apple’s best drama.
And a challenger to that title is also coming back. “Slow Horses” (Nov. 29), the darkly funny thriller about a group of washed-up spies, returns for its third season. Gary Oldman stars as perpetually disgruntled spymaster Jackson Lamb, leading his team of misfits as they get dragged into an international conspiracy after one of their own is kidnapped. Based on the novels by Mick Herron, “Slow Horses” is smart and cynical, a terrific twist on traditional spy stories.
Then there’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (Nov. 17), an action-conspiracy series about a ragtag group trying to expose a secretive organization that knows the truth about Godzilla and other kaiju creatures terrorizing the planet. Kurt Russell stars with his son, Wyatt (who plays his dad in flashbacks), along with Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe and Kiersey Clemons. The series is intended to slide right into the MonsterVerse that includes “Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Kong: Skull Island” and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and for anyone who grew up watching monster movies, this could be a lot of fun.
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also has “Fingernails”(Nov. 3), a sci-fi romance movie starring Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White and Luke Wilson; “The Buccaneers” (Nov. 8), a “Bridgerton”-esque period drama based on the Edith Wharton novel about a group of rich American girls who hit London in the 1870s looking for suitable husbands; the holiday musical special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas” (Nov. 22); and a new version of the tear-jerking children’s classic “The Velveteen Rabbit” (Nov. 22).
Meanwhile, Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed “Killers of the Flower Moon” should hit Apple TV+ within the next month or two, after it completes its theatrical run, and Ridley Scott’s historical epic “Napoleon,”starring Joaquin Phoenix, his theaters Nov. 22. It, too, will stream on Apple at an as-yet-undisclosed date in the coming months.
There are also new episodes every week of “Lessons in Chemistry” (finale Nov. 24), and “The Morning Show” (season finale Nov. 8). If that’s not enough, you could always catch up on “Foundation,” “Swagger,” “Platonic” or discover “Bad Sisters.”
Who’s Apple TV+ for? It offers a little something for everyone, but not necessarily enough for anyone — although it’s getting there.
Play, pause or stop? Play. Even though its price has soared, Apple is still cheaper than most, and it delivers value this month. (Remember, you can get three free months of Apple TV+ if you buy a new Apple device.)
Hulu ($7.99 a month with ads, or $17.99 with no ads)
After a fallow October, Hulu has a lot more to offer in November, continuing its strong year.
FX’s “A Murder at the End of the World” (Nov. 14) was pushed back from an August release date due to the Hollywood strikes, but it should fit better in a colder season anyway. From Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the producers of Netflix’s cult favorite sci-fi series “The OA,” the limited series is an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery set at a billionaire’s secluded, snowbound retreat in Iceland. Emma Corrin (“The Crown”) stars as an amateur detective while Clive Owen (“Children of Men”) plays the mysterious tycoon.
A wintry setting also plays a key role in the fifth season of FX’s“Fargo” (Nov. 22), the latest installment in Noah Hawley’s noirish crime anthology. Juno Temple (“Ted Lasso”) plays a seemingly ordinary Midwestern housewife who’s not at all what she appears to be. She’s joined by an all-star cast that includes Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Lamorne Morris and Dave Foley. Each season of “Fargo” is a quirky, violent delight, and this one looks no different.
Just to make things confusing, while both “A Murder at the End of the World” and “Fargo” are FX series, “Murder” will stream exclusively on Hulu, while “Fargo” episodes will first air on FX then stream a day later.
In an interesting experiment, director Baz Luhrmann has recut his 2008 romantic drama “Australia,” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and turned it into a six-episode miniseries — renamed“Faraway Downs” (Nov. 26) — using extra footage shot during the original filming. The movie flopped in theaters, but Luhrmann says it should work better as a miniseries, saying “episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world.”
Hulu also has“Black Cake”(Nov. 1), a generations-spanning family drama based on the bestselling novel by Charmaine Wilkerson; “Quiz Lady” (Nov. 3), a comedy movie about estranged sisters, starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh; and a handful of sports documentaries, including “The League” (Nov. 9), about Negro League baseball, and“Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story” (Nov. 15), hosted by Keanu Reeves.
Fresh off October’s addition of “Moonlighting,” Hulu is adding all eight seasons of another 1980s classic, “L.A. Law” (Nov. 3), along with a ton of holiday fare, including “Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights” and “Miracle on 34th Street” (both Nov. 1), and “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (both Nov. 23).
And don’t forget the season finales of “Welcome to Wrexham” (Nov. 15) and “Goosebumps” (Nov. 17), as well as next-day streams of network shows such as “The Golden Bachelor” and “Bob’s Burgers.”
Who’s Hulu for? TV lovers. There’s a deep library for those who want older TV series and next-day streaming of many current network and cable shows.
Play, pause or stop? Pause and think it over. If you’re on the ad-supported plan, it’s well worth it. But for the pricey, $18 ad-free plan, you may want to wait until December and see how some of these new series pan out.
Netflix ($6.99 a month for basic with ads, $15.49 standard with no ads, $22.99 premium with no ads)
The critically acclaimed royal-family drama “The Crown” (Nov. 16) is back for the first half of its sixth and final season (four episodes drop this month, with the final six coming in December). Events pick up in 1997 after the marriage of Prince Charles (Dominic West) and Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) ends, as Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) reflects on her legacy. There’s already controversy over how it’ll handle Diana’s tragic death.
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also has “The Killer” (Nov. 10) a “slick but conventional” thriller movie from director David Fincher, starring Michael Fassbender as a hit man on the run;“Squid Game: The Challenge” (Nov. 22), a reality competition show putting 456 players through challenges inspired by the hit Korean drama (minus the murders, presumably); “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”(Nov. 17), an anime version of the graphic novels and cult-favorite movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (which is also coming Nov. 1);“All the Light We Cannot See” (Nov. 2), a critically panned miniseries about a blind French girl and a German soldier in the final days of WWII, starring Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann and Mark Ruffalo; Season 5, Part 2 of the popular small-town romantic drama “Virgin River” (Nov. 30); and “The Netflix Cup: Swing to Survive” (Nov. 14), Netflix’s first livestreamed sporting event, with teams of Formula 1 drivers and PGA stars in a match-play golf tournament from Las Vegas.
There are also fresh episodes of “The Great British Baking Show” every Friday until its season finale Dec. 1.
Who’s Netflix for? Fans of buzz-worthy original shows and movies.
Play, pause or stop? Pause. “The Crown” and “The Great British Baking Show” are the top draws, but aside from those, there’s not a lot else to move the needle this month. However, if you can live with commercials, you can find value at $7.
Paramount+ ($5.99 a month with ads, $11.99 a month with Showtime and no ads)
Paramount+ has some interesting stuff in November. But is it enough to justify a subscription?
“Lawmen: Bass Reeves” (Nov. 5), joins the streaming service’s extensive slate of shows produced by Taylor Sheridan, telling the story of one of the Wild West’s most overlooked real-life heroes: Bass Reeves (played by David Oyelowo), who was the first Black U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi and overcame countless hurdles in enforcing the law in the era of Reconstruction. A marksman with something like 3,000 arrests to his name, Reeves was purportedly the inspiration for the story of the Lone Ranger. Say what you will about Sheridan’s formulaic shows, but he knows how to make a good Western. This should be worth a watch.
There’s also “The Curse“ (Nov. 10), an intriguing new Showtime series starring Nathan Fielder (“Nathan for You”) and Oscar-winner Emma Stone that puts a dark twist to an HGTV-like home-improvement show; and“Good Burger 2”(Nov. 22), a sequel to the 1997 cult-classic fast-food comedy starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.
On the sports side, Paramount has NFL football every Sunday, Big Ten and SEC college football every Saturday, and a full slate of UEFA Champions League soccer.
Who’s Paramount+ for? Gen X cord-cutters who miss live sports and familiar Paramount Global PARA, -0.74%
broadcast and cable shows.
Play, pause or stop? Pause. There’s decent value with a couple of promising new shows, especially when factoring in Paramount’s live sports and vast library of movies and network shows.
Max ($9.99 a month with ads, $15.99 with no ads, or $19.99 ‘Ultimate’ with no ads)
It’s a very skippable month for Max.
The Warner Bros. Discovery WBD, +1.41%
streaming service only has a handful of new originals to offer, including Season 2 of Issa Rae’s hip-hop comedy “Rap Sh!t” (Nov. 19), as Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) come to a crossroads on their road to fame; Season 2 of the biographical drama “Julia” (Nov. 16), starring Sarah Lancashire as iconic chef Julia Child as she and her husband return from France and face new challenges; “Bookie” (Nov. 30), a new comedy from Chuck Lorre (“Big Bang Theory”) and Nick Bakay about an L.A. bookie looking for new angles as the potential legalization of sports gambling threatens to upend his shady business; and Rob Reiner’s documentary“Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” (Nov. 11), delving into the life of the comedy legend.
There are also a ton of holiday-themed shows from Food Network, HGTV and OWN; live sports on its free (for now) Bleacher Report tier that includes NBA and NHL games, college basketball and U.S. men’s soccer (Nov. 16 and 20); and new episodes of “The Gilded Age” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
Who’s Max for? HBO fans and movie lovers. And now, unscripted TV fans too, with a slew of Discovery shows.
Play, pause or stop? Stop. Max still has a great library, but the new offerings fall short. Even the ad tier isn’t worth it — try again another month.
Amazon’s Prime Video ($14.99 a month, or $8.99 without Prime membership)
“The Boys” spinoff “Gen V” ends its first season on Nov. 3, but fans of ultra-violent superheroes will be able to slide right into Season 2 of the hit animated series “Invincible” (Nov. 3), which returns to Prime Video after a two-and-a-half-year layoff. Based on the graphic novels by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, the very adult series picks up with Mark (Steven Yeun) still reeling from the revelations about his superhero father (J.K. Simmons) at the end of Season 1, while a new villain (voiced by Sterling K. Brown) appears on the scene. Annoyingly, Season 2 will be split in two, with four episodes in November and another four coming in early 2024.
Amazon’s AMZN, +2.94%
streaming service also has “007: Road to a Million” (Nov. 10), an “Amazing Race”-like competition series hosted by Brian Cox where nine teams of two endure James Bond-inspired challenges around the globe to try to win a big cash prize, and “Twin Love”(Nov. 17), a reality dating show involving 10 sets of identical twins split into two houses.
Who’s Prime Video for? Movie lovers, TV-series fans who value quality over quantity.
Play, pause or stop? Stop. There’s no a compelling reason to start a relatively pricey subscription now. That even goes for “Invincible” fans, who would be better off waiting until the second half drops and bingeing when all episodes are available. Splitting up eight episodes is ridiculous.
Disney+ ($7.99 a month with ads, $13.99 with no ads)
Tim Allen returns for Season 2 of “The Santa Clauses” (Nov. 8), as the jolly one continues his search for a successor. Eric Stonestreet joins the cast as the exiled “Mad Santa,” along with Gabriel Iglesias as Kris Kringle and Tracey Morgan as the Easter Bunny (because, of course!).
Meanwhile, Lil Rel Howry, Ludacris and Oscar Nunez star in the new family comedy movie“Dashing Through the Snow” (Nov. 17), and Danny Glover will play Santa in the Disney Channel original film “The Naughty Nine” (Nov. 23).
In non-holiday fare, Disney has three upcoming Doctor Who specials celebrating the iconic sci-fi series’ 60th anniversary. The first, “Doctor Who: The Star Beast” (Nov. 25), reunites David Tennant and Catherine Tate, as the Doctor and Donna Noble battle the villainous Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris), with the other two specials coming in December, when the 15th Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa of “Sex Education”) will be introduced.
There’s also 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (Nov. 3), and new episodes of “Loki” (finale Nov. 9), “Goosebumps” (finale Nov. 17) and “Dancing With the Stars.”
Who’s Disney+ for? Families with kids, hardcore “Star Wars” and Marvel fans. For people not in those groups, Disney’s DIS, -0.64%
library can be lacking.
Play, pause or stop? Stop. After a recent price hike, there’s just not enough to justify a subscription (unless your kids will absolutely melt down without it).
Peacock ($5.99 a month with ads, or $11.99 with no ads)
It’s a pretty bleak month for Peacock originals, with only the reality dating spinoff “Love Island Games” (Nov. 1); “Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain” (Nov. 17), the first movie from the “SNL” comedy trio; and Season 2 of the Paris Hilton reality series“Paris in Love” (Nov. 30).
It’s a bit brighter on the sports side, with Big Ten college basketball starting Nov. 6, Big Ten college football every Saturday, NFL Sunday Night Football and a full slate of English Premier League soccer, golf, motorsports and winter sports.
And on Thanksgiving (Nov. 23), Peacock will stream the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the National Dog Show and an NFL game, as the 49ers play the Seahawks.
Who’s Peacock for? Live sports and next-day shows from Comcast’s CMCSA, +1.28%
NBCUniversal are the main draw, but there’s a good library of shows and movies.
Play, pause or stop? Stop. The live-sports offerings are the only lure.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
The holidays are just around the corner, and you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to discover great savings on potential gifts for loved ones. One widely applicable option is a streaming service, especially something that’s verified while offering a breath of fresh air from the usual offerings on Netflix and Hulu. This Curiosity Stream Standard Plan lifetime subscription is a great example of a deal on such a service. And it’s been price dropped to the exclusive price of $169.97 (reg. $399) through October 31st.
Curiosity Stream features thousands of documentary films, series, and shows. Topics covered include science, history, and technology, and the non-fiction subject matters offer an educational and eye-opening look into worlds you may not have known before.
This popular streaming platform was founded by the man behind Discovery Communications. John Hendricks has a history of successfully delivering high-level nonfiction video content to the masses, and he continues that tradition with Curiosity Stream.
In addition to a wide-ranging and highly respected catalog, Curiosity Stream offers a number of appealing features for users to enjoy their content better. They provide downloadable content for offline viewing, which can be great for traveling. The documentaries are available to view in high-definition 1920 x 1080p. Finding the specific movie or show you’re looking for is made easier by intuitive search tools, watch now or later bookmarks, and regular content updates.
This award-winning streaming service makes an excellent gift option. It’s a critical darling that’s earned average ratings of 4.7/5 stars on the App Store and 4.3/5 stars on Google Play.
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Running a business is stressful, and our personal lives can be too. According to the California Conservatory of Music, playing an instrument can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also build confidence that will radiate into other facets of your life. Unleash the inner rockstar in yourself or a musically inclined family member with this 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle. For a limited time, it’s just $19.99 (reg. $480).
You’ll get 12 multi-lesson courses totaling more than 77 hours of content. Novices can start with the Beginner Guitar Lessons Crash Course, which aims to get beginners reading tabs, playing open and barre chords, learning notes, performing solos over songs, and more.
Another avenue to explore is songwriting. This bundle offers the course Songwriting for the Curious Guitarist, which teaches you to write your own songs on the guitar, arrange chords, and more. It also gives you access to secret songwriting tricks you can utilize.
Users of all levels will get trained in guitar techniques, which goes over the most important of them. You will learn sweep picking, sliding and bending, vibrato, trills, natural and artificial harmonics, and more, and you’ll also get guidance in developing your own style.
From playing children’s songs to jazz, blues, and Christmas songs, there’s a lot of ground covered that can help even the busiest entrepreneur decompress after a long day of work. It also makes a thoughtful holiday gift for the music man or woman on your list.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn to play the guitar from the comfort of your own home at a very affordable price.
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