American Library Association (ALA) Carnegie-Whitney Grant Project
Informed Success
A Comprehensive Guide to Knowledge, Resources and Opportunities
for Student Entrepreneurs
Succeed with Business Knowledge and Evidence-based Decisions
This section includes topics that help student entrepreneurs develop business knowledge and make evidence-based decisions.
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Recognize Business Opportunities and Shape Business Ideas
Ensure a Viable Business Model and Powerful Value Proposition
Plan with an Effectual and Agile Strategy
Make Data-Driven, Evidence-based Decisions
Learn Why Startups Fail and Improve the Odds of Success
Master Story Telling and Pitch the Ideas
Understand Consumers and Find Product-Market Fit
Study the Industry and Rise above the Competition
Write a Purposeful Business Plan
Connect with Diversified Customers and Drive Sales
Navigate a Sea of Funding Options
Secure Grants with a Concrete Proposal
Develop New Products with Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking
Seek Rapid Process Improvement and Align Operations
Handle Startup Legal Issues and Control Legal Risk
Manage Tax, Accounting, and Finances
Build a Stellar Team and Foster Adaptive Learning Culture
Scale Up and Accelerate Business Growth
Increase Brand Awareness and Elevate Publicity
Tap into Social Entrepreneurship
Succeed with Affective Learning and Personal Growth
This section includes topics that help student entrepreneurs develop affective learning skills and pursue personal growth.
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Grow with an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Recognize Interconnections and Become a System Thinker
Drive Innovation and Harness the Power of Disruption
Think Critically and Challenge Biases and Assumptions
Acquire Affective Skills and Adopt Reflective Practice
Establish Personal Values and Principles and Make Ethical Decisions
Ask Big Questions about Meanings, Purposes and What Matters
Manage Time Wisely and Balance Work, School, and Life
Improve Communication and Negotiation Skills
Exercise Inclusive and Authentic Leadership Skills
Ignite Passion and Motivate Yourself and Others
Take Care of Personal Well-being and Relationship
Cope with Stress, Anxiety, Burnout and Build Resilience
Succeed with Diversified Support Networks and Social Capital
This section includes topics that help student entrepreneurs build diversified support networks and increase social capital.
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Build Meaningful Connections with Strong and Weak Ties
Connect with Potential Investors
Nurture Mentor and Advisor Relationships
Find Mentor, Advisors, and Networking Opportunities
Leverage Institutional Support and Local Resources
Locate Top Entrepreneurial Centers, Incubators, and Accelerators
Network with Top Business Thinkers and Influencers