“Wherever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.”--Peter F. Drucker
I am writing to you in partnership with Aubrey Stephenson, President & CEO of Federal Management Systems, Inc., to ask that you make a courageous decision and invest in the current and future successes of the students and programs of the Howard University Institute for Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation (ELI). Your commitment to sponsor our 2nd Annual “Building the Entrepreneurial Dream” Awards Benefit on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 will add impact and sustainability to the ELI Institute which is the nation’s first comprehensive research institute focused on entrepreneurship research, development, and practicum at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
We create tomorrow’s businesses by promoting entrepreneurship thru innovation and experiential learning; and we foster the creation of new knowledge in entrepreneurial education, just to name a few of the objectives of the ELI Institute. However, the “Time is Now” for all of us to combine our efforts to secure the opportunities for young entrepreneurs to be successful and in turn offer hope for the future of our nations’ economic health.
Our core strategy thru the execution of this Awards Benefit is to (1) spotlight and recognize those energetic and persistent risk-takers - we call entrepreneurs, providing a public venue to showcase their entrepreneurial achievements; and (2) raise funds for the ELI Institute to continue to expand our portfolio of entrepreneurship programs, business development and education services. Our Mistress of Ceremonies will be Omarosa (Of Donald Trump’s Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice and HU Professor). Awardees to TBA including the Business Plan Winners (Cash prizes of $20,000 given out) and more.
Established in 2003, ELI was funded through a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and looks to transform the way entrepreneurship is taught. ELI has had numerous successes that include the launching of an academic minor in Entrepreneurship and the mentorship of students who have received national recognition for new venture development. ELI is a national resource committed to the growth and development of minority small business enterprises and creates an environment that supports entrepreneurial activities and initiatives that foster job creation and fuel innovation and economic growth.
The success of the Benefit depends on the support and involvement of businesses and individuals who share our commitment: to enrich minorities with the essential skills and tools in order to thrive entrepreneurially in this competitive environment. See attached for partnership opportunities.
We would appreciate hearing from you by Friday, March 26, 2010, by contacting me at (202) 806-1715 or cell at (202) 359-0334. We hope you can join us as we continue to strive, shape and infuse the spirit of entrepreneurship at Howard University.
Sincerely,
Johnetta Boseman Hardy
Executive Director
