| The American University in Bulgaria: American Education Leader in the region “The Role of Universities in Youth Entrepreneurship” By: Kevin J. Aspegren International Youth Conference Krusevo, Macedonia September 13, 2015

What is Entrepreneurship? The first person to define entrepreneurship was the economist Robert Cantillon (1755) Classified entrepreneurs as those who connected producers with consumers, with the motive of earning profits.

Entrepreneurial Mindset Specific state of mind which orientates human conduct towards entrepreneurial activities and outcomes. Individuals with entrepreneurial mindsets are often drawn to opportunities, innovation and new value creation.

Entrepreneur traits They are creative They are persistent They are focused They take calculated risks They are prepared for tough They have initiative They are also curious Most entrepreneurs are good communicators

Myth vs. Truth? You should wait until you're older You should just focus on school for now Entrepreneurship cannot be taught

Examples Bill Gates who left Harvard to start Microsoft Milton Hershey who opened his first candy shop when he was 18 Fred Smith who, while attending Yale, received a "C" on his Fedex business plan and decided to start his business anyway Steve Jobs who left Reed University to start Apple

Poor Guy

Youth Entrepreneurs It's easier to exceed expectations and harder to not meet them. It's OK if you're not perfectly polished. You have an existing passive secondary stream of income Your creativity is probably at a high point. There are resources that support youthful endeavors.

Youth Entrepreneurship Increasing recognition of the important role education can play in developing entrepreneurial mind-sets Prepares young people to be responsible, enterprising individuals Contributes to economic development and sustainable communities.

Role of the University The role of a University is not educate young people The role of the University is to educate young people and impact the local community

Role of the University in Youth Entrepreneurship 1.To provide youth with opportunities to really understand how entrepreneurs think. 1.Introducing the concept of social entrepreneurs as change agents for societies.

But How??? Lessons Mentoring and Counseling Competitions

Keep in Mind Keep the local context at the heart of your program Don't lose sight of who your beneficiaries are Be aware that female entrepreneurs may have specific needs Remember that cultural attitudes to risk- taking can be pivotal

Questions