SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is now accepting spring enrollments for its Rapid Launch Intensive program that helps students launch a business idea in a single semester. The program is open to all SBCC students regardless of academic discipline.
The Rapid Launch Intensive combines academics, with mentoring and product development support, and it positions students to submit their entry to compete in the Scheinfeld Center’s New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on April 28, 2017, which awards seed money and scholarships to the winning finalists.
“One semester in the Rapid Launch Intensive can be truly life-changing for students by taking them from business idea to generating sales and pitching to investors, and it prepares to leverage the other startup resources in our community,” said Julie Samson, Director of the Scheinfeld Center. “Anyone in the community who has a business idea is welcome to enroll in these courses.”
“Additionally, students who are eligible for SBCC’s Promise can receive two years of no-cost tuition, required fees, books, and supplies,” said Samson. “What a great way to start the new year!”
Successful rapid launch businesses include the simplest version of products and services spanning many industries, from apps and web-based businesses, to fashion and design, to pet and personal care products, and a wide variety of technology ventures. A growing collection of profiles and success stories are available at the Scheinfeld Center website.
The Rapid Launch Intensive combines three courses: Enterprise Launch, Business Plan Development, and Product Design and Rapid Prototyping. Each class meets once per week.
Spring Semester Rapid Launch Intensive classes schedule:
- Enterprise Launch (ENT 206): Wednesdays 5:30-8:35 p.m., starts Jan. 18,
Instructor: Julie Samson, Scheinfeld Center Director - Business Plan Development (ENT 208): Thursdays 5:30 – 8:35 p.m., starts Jan. 19,
Instructor: Dr. Melissa Moreno, SBCC Dean of Educational Programs – Business - Product Design and Rapid Prototyping (DRFT 142): Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., starts Jan. 17
Instructor: Natalie Ng
“While each class could be taken separately, taking all three at the same time through the intensive ensures that students are fully prepared to take their idea to the next level,” said Samson. “The class schedule allows the program to be accessible by both full-time students as well as working professionals.”
Rapid Launch students are eligible to participate in the Scheinfeld Center’s annual New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition, scheduled for April 28, 2017, and will have access to no-cost business consulting and coaching from the Scheinfeld Center’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for continued support after the program.
Class registration is already underway with Spring Semester starting on January 17, 2017. To apply to SBCC or to register for classes, visit www.sbcc.edu or contact the Scheinfeld Center at jasamson@sbcc.edu, or 805.965.0581 ext. 3643.
About Santa Barbara City College: Our Mission: As a public community college dedicated to the success of each student. Santa Barbara City College provides students a diverse learning environment that inspires curiosity and discovery, promotes global responsibility and fosters opportunity for all.
About the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation: The SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is a hub for entrepreneurial development within the South Central Coast community and is a resource for model programs for other California community college districts. The Scheinfeld Center trains global entrepreneurs using a comprehensive approach to academics, hands-on experience, and support. Participants can build their business in the classroom and shore up gaps in their entrepreneurial skillset through the Scheinfeld Center’s distinctive combination of coursework, business plan and pitch competitions, industry internships, no-cost business consulting, mentoring, networking, and post-start-up support through the Small Business Development Center. To learn more, visit www.scheinfeld.sbcc.edu or call 805.965.0581 ext. 3643.