BROOKINGS – A new Brookings Economic Development Corporation program seeks to promote and encourage entrepreneurship in the Brookings region by providing 1-on-1 free, customized coaching for South Dakota State University students, faculty and staff pursuing potential business concepts.
The Idea Adviser program invites anyone with a business idea to stop in and meet with Jennifer Quail, BEDC’s director of entrepreneur support and certified entrepreneur coach. In addition to helping innovators and entrepreneurs explore and evaluate the viability of their ideas, Quail connects them to the start-up resources available in the Brookings region that will move those ideas forward into business opportunities.
An integral part of the program includes dedicated office hours for Quail on campus, made possible through a unique collaboration between the university and BEDC.
“SDSU leaders understand and appreciate the importance of helping innovators and entrepreneurs discover, define and pursue their business ideas,” Quail said. “BEDC is so thankful to have the opportunity to bring the Idea Adviser program directly to the campus community.”
While students and staff are encouraged to stop in any Tuesday to Quail’s office, located in room 259 in the Student Union, entrepreneurs from SDSU and the community can reach out to Quail any day of the week to learn more about the Idea Adviser program or schedule a free consultation. She can be reached at 697-8103 or jennifer@brookingsedc.com.
“Programs like the Idea Adviser seek to leverage our area’s assets in pursuit of new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region,” Quail said. “I am looking forward to working with the SDSU community to see what the next big idea will be.”
BEDC is part of the Brookings Start-up Hub, local organizations supporting ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Brookings region. Visit startupbrookings.com for more information.
