Come Explore the EntrepreneurShop on Main Pop-Up Event in the Commons!

Today in the Commons between 10 am-2 pm, come explore handmade products, art, accessories, services, and more—all created by UMBC students!

If you are an entrepreneur or creator and want to sign up for a free table at the next EntrepreneurShop event, sign up HERE!

For more information about the EntrepreneurShop on Main events and the EntrepreneurShop in the Bookstore, click HERE!

What?  EntrepreneurShop on Main

Where?  Commons Main Street

When?  Thursday, October 8th from 10 am-2 pm

Are you ready to stop just grinding and start building something that matters? Join us for an inspiring session with Billboard-charting jazz keyboardist, entrepreneur, and lifestyle brand creator Marcus Johnson!

• Talk Title: Building a Business Around Your Purpose
• Date: Thursday, October 15
• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: University Center 310

About the Talk: Everyone talks about the "hustle," but how do you really build a business around who you are?  Drawing from his unique journey across music, law, and entrepreneurship, Marcus Johnson will challenge you to build intentionally.

He will break down his signature DEEPER framework:

• Dream
• Engage
• Environment
• Plan
• Execute
• Reflect

The Takeaway: You’ll leave this personal and powerful talk with the mindset and practical tools needed to create a business—and a life—rooted in true purpose, ownership, and legacy.

Don't miss the chance to learn how to build a venture on your own terms. See you there!

Join the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Career Services to hear three distinguished alumni share candid insights on starting a business, pivoting careers, and building creative, impactful ventures!

UMBC Entrepreneurs Panel Discussion, Raymond V. Haysbert, Sr. Entrepreneurship Lecture Series

When: Monday, October 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Where: University Center 312

Meet the Alumni Panelists

• Thomas Hammond ’25 | CEO, Cheeky Magpie Collective (BFA Visual Arts)

Tackles large-scale branding and print design for clients like UMBC and the College Park Aviation Museum. He’ll discuss the real ups and downs of early-stage business ownership.

• Kedren Crosby ’96 | Founder, Work Wisdom (MS Policy Science)

Leads an organizational behavior firm focused on performance and mindset transformation. She’ll share lessons on growing a business and choosing the right clients.

• Luke Roberts ’12 | Cinematographer, Artist & Social Entrepreneur (BS Mechanical Engineering)

Pivoted from an engineering PhD to launch Fundup (sustainable giving) and LJR Creative (cinematic video). He’ll talk about transitioning into creative entrepreneurship.

Questions? Contact kevinf@umbc.edu or armor@umbc.edu, or visit entrepreneurship.umbc.edu.

When life forces a pivot, how do you build a business from it?

Hey Retrievers! Everyone talks about the perfect startup plan, but what happens when life throws a massive curveball?

Come catch UMBC alumnus Dr. Adegboyega "Ade" Akinsiku '23 for an inspiring talk: The Unexpected Journey: Building a Company from an Unplanned Pivot

After a major lifestyle shift in graduate school to support a family member, Ade uncovered a massive gap in health computing. He didn't just invent a product—he leaned into life's realities to launch Didara Technology, an ambient intelligence company designed to help older adults age safely at home.

Come learn how to turn the unexpected into your ultimate competitive advantage. Ade will share specific, real-world insights on navigating life's twists while building a venture rooted in true purpose.

 The Details:

• When: Wednesday, October 28, from 12-1 pm
• Where: University Center 310

Don't miss out on the blueprint for turning unexpected challenges into your biggest success. See you there!

Join us for an engaging conversation on the art of networking!

Katie Heater, MFA (Adjunct Faculty, Visual Arts Department), and Suzanne Sniffen, MA.Ed. (Program Coordinator, Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship), are going to tackle some fundamentals of how to network.

• How to start conversations with people you don’t know:  Katie and Suzanne are going to share some of their own strategies and approaches.
• How to make networking feel authentic:  Real relationships and conversations are what we remember and what other people remember.

Bring your questions for an interactive Q&A following the discussion.

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, Nov 4, Noon-1 pm

Where: Fine Arts 107

Food?  Yes! Come join us for a great conversation and enjoy a slice of pizza!

Hey Retrievers! Whether you're trying to land a co-founder, pitch to investors, or just get people to buy your product, sales skills are your ultimate superpower.

Come catch Mike Chiosi for a masterclass that strips away the awkwardness of sales: Paid to Persuade — Selling 101: What you want to know about selling but are afraid to ask

In this session, Mike is breaking down the absolute fundamentals of selling. He’ll share a practical framework for structuring persuasive conversations that clearly show off the value of your ideas. You’ll leave with the confidence and tools to pitch your vision to customers, partners, and investors alike.

Learn how to effectively sell your ideas and yourself.

The Details:

• When: November 9 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Where: UC 310

Learn how to sell your vision like a pro.  See you there!

Come Explore the EntrepreneurShop on Main Pop-Up Event in the Commons!

Today in the Commons between 10 am-2 pm, come explore handmade products, art, accessories, services, and more—all created by UMBC students!

If you are an entrepreneur or creator and want to sign up for a free table at the next EntrepreneurShop event, sign up HERE!

For more information about the EntrepreneurShop on Main events and the EntrepreneurShop in the Bookstore, click HERE!

What?  EntrepreneurShop on Main

Where?  Commons Main Street

When?  Wednesday, November 11th from 10 am-2 pm

The Idea and Innovation Challenge is back, and our campus’s brightest student entrepreneurs are taking the stage on Thursday, 11/19 to pitch their big ideas.

Come watch top student innovators face off across three high-stakes tracks:

• Tech Track: The next big digital innovations.
•  Social Track: Ventures designed to change the world.
•  Spark Track: Early-stage, fresh-out-of-the-box ideas aimed at tackling this year’s prompt.

Our panel of three judges will decide the winners of prizes for each track of up to $800!

Here’s the best part: YOU have the power. Everyone who attends gets to cast their vote for the Best Presentation award. Come support your friends, see the next big ideas, and help decide who walks away with the best presentation prize.

The Details:

• When: November 19th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: UC 312

Free pizza, brilliant ideas, and live voting. Don't miss it!  Come join us!

Come Explore the EntrepreneurShop on Main Pop-Up Event in the Commons!

Today in the Commons between 10 am-2 pm, come explore handmade products, art, accessories, services, and more—all created by UMBC students!

If you are an entrepreneur or creator and want to sign up for a free table at the next EntrepreneurShop event, sign up HERE!

For more information about the EntrepreneurShop on Main events and the EntrepreneurShop in the Bookstore, click HERE!

What?  EntrepreneurShop on Main

Where?  Commons Main Street

When?  Thursday, December 3rd from 10 am-2 pm