Thirty-four Albany State University students received training in entrepreneurship and leadership, April 6-8, from industry experts at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute International located in Lithonia, Georgia. The 2017 ASU group was commended for having the largest number of attendees  among all four-year colleges hosted during the 2017 school year.

Founded by Lecester “Bill” and Mattie Allen, AEII is an innovative initiative for college students designed to give them insight into entrepreneurship and leadership.

“The primary mission of the Institute is to develop young entrepreneurs and leaders by changing mindsets from employment to entrepreneurship,” said Cynthia Bennett, ASU business information systems professor and co-director of the Center for Economic Education.

At AEII, the students sharpened their communication and social skills, reviewed business and dining etiquette and participated in confidence-building exercises. In a competitive, team-building exercise, students were required to develop a business plan that would yield a profit for an Incubator Center. Each team presented their plan to a group of three judges, which included their peers.  The business plans were judged on products and services, operations, market analysis, strategy and implementation, financial plan and projections, and their ability to adhere to presentation time limits.

One of the lessons taught to the students by AEII leaders was the value of making an impact.

“We all have short and long term goals: money, houses, sole proprietorships or partnerships. But in the end, what matters most is having a strong impact on those you encounter and leaving your imprint on the world,” said Jaquez Lindley, a senior, supply chain and logistics major.

Through their experience at AEII, students learned about teamwork, and were given tips on how to work through the most challenging endeavors.

“My experience at AEII was life changing. I was not sure what to expect going into this, but the trip gave me key tips on how to accomplish my goals and dreams,” said Rachel Collins, a sophomore, business information systems major. “I have a completely new mindset – an entrepreneurial mindset – and I love it."

The students resided at the Allen Executive House dormitory and attended sessions led by entrepreneurs and business leaders who have experience developing, organizing and managing a business venture and are aware of the risks associated with making a business profitable.