The SBCC Scheinfeld Center hosted a panel discussion and networking event to help students and community members learn about local startup incubators, accelerators and workspaces. From left to right: David Adornetto, Director of UCSB’s Technology Management Program; Dan Ferrick of ImpactHub; Kyle Ashby, founder of StartupSB and co-founder of The Sandbox; Julie Samson, Director of SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Zoe Reifel of The Synergy Center (representing Director Michael Holliday); and Mike Franco of Workzones.
SANTA BARBARA — The SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation hosted a panel Feb. 10 at the Fé Bland Forum on the Santa Barbara City College campus to help students and community members learn about local startup incubators, accelerators and workspaces.
Of the six panelists, four represented local workspaces and told the audience about their workspace culture, location, networking and other offerings. Kyle Ashby, founder of StartupSB and co-founder of The Sandbox; Dan Ferrick of ImpactHub; Zoe Reifel of The Synergy Center (representing Director Michael Holliday); and Mike Franco of Workzones each shared why co-working spaces can be ideal venues for startups as well as more seasoned entrepreneurs.
David Adornetto, Director of UC Santa Barbara’s Technology Management Program, discussed UCSB’s programs and facilities designed to help students turn their business ideas into realities. He also spoke about the Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet (GEM) program and its G2 Summer Accelerator, a seven-week intensive program that provides entrepreneurs the toolset and network to launch and run a startup.
Director of SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center, Julie Samson, discussed the many opportunities for budding global entrepreneurs at SBCC, including the upcoming 7th Annual New Venture Challenge on April 28, a business plan and pitch competition that is open to college and high school students in Santa Barbara County.
The audience was able to ask questions at the end of the panel session, which was followed by a networking reception.
For more information about the SBCC Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, including how to register for the April 28 New Venture Challenge, contact Julie Samson at jasamson@sbcc.edu.
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.