CEN: Cornell Entrepreneur Network

We miss gathering together in person to learn, connect, and further our networks. And while that is on pause for now, we are still here and want to share helpful resources and provide learning opportunities. We’ve refreshed our website to highlight digital offerings to view at your leisure that can add value to your lifelong learning and professional journies. Until then, be well and be safe – Amanda Hatcher, Senior Associate Director of the Cornell Entrepreneur Network

As an entrepreneur or business leader, do you sometimes feel like you live on that slick edge between huge risk and unlimited potential? CEN gives you stories to refer to in uncertain moments, the inside scoop on extraordinary successes, and real examples of how it’s done. Best of all, CEN puts you in the same room with Cornellians at all stages of the game. Soak up our presentations and make priceless connections in dozens of cities around the country and globe, as well as online. Wow us with your elevator speech in our open mic segment. Grab a drink, ask questions, and add us to your favorites. You can thank us at your IPO.

Amanda Hatcher

Senior Associate Director

607-254-7111

amc392@cornell.edu

Xiomara Samantha Grossett

Program Assistant

607-255-7084

xsg2@cornell.edu

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?

Fill out this quick survey to help us take a pulse on entrepreneurship among Cornell alumni. Your response will help us develop more programs, events, and opportunities that are right for you.

Take it now!

Hear from Student Entrepreneurs

eLab Early-Stage Pitches

December 2, 2020 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET | Online

Get an early glimpse
Find out what business ideas and innovations this year’s eLab student startups are working on and help shape their path forward. Student startups have been making progress in this year’s eLab accelerator for only a few months, but you can catch an early glimpse at their business plans when they present their early-stage pitches to Cornell alumni and friends.

We need your suggestions and critiques
After all the pitches are complete, there will be individual virtual meeting rooms to directly share your feedback with the students. Your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping these students progress their startups. You will also be able to share your feedback in the chat tool throughout the pitch sessions.eLab is a student accelerator that empowers and trains participants to launch scalable businesses. Student teams spend one year evolving their business plans, speaking with potential customers, pitching to investors, and preparing for launch. eLab is a program of Student Agencies Foundation and Entrepreneurship at Cornell.

Good Values, Good Company featuring Arthur M. Blank P’23

December 8th, 2020

12:00 PM ET | Online

Hosted by Kevin Hallock, Dean, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Joseph R. Rich Professor of Economics and Human Resource Studies

With introductions by Zach Shulman ’87, JD ’90, Director of Entrepreneurship at Cornell

We can’t wait to talk with Arthur M. Blank P’23, co-founder of The Home Depot, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and author of Good Company with a forward by President Jimmy Carter. From the significance of his Queens, NY roots, to prioritizing the wellbeing of his customers, associates, and their communities as a prerequisite to financial success, this is an unprecedented chance to get the inside story and ask your questions of the man who was recognized by Forbes as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds (2017).

CEN on-demand

Beer & Business with the 2020 Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year

Join 2020 Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year and Co-founder of The Brooklyn Brewery, Steve Hindy ’71, MAT ’73. Hindy talk about his experiences as an entrepreneur while guiding us through a tasting of Brooklyn Brewery’s beers!

An Entrepreneur’s Dream with Rob Ryan ’69, Co-founder of Ascend Communications

What does it take to get acquired for $24 billion? Rob Ryan ’69, who co-founded Ascend Communications with his wife Terry Ryan ’69, tells all! It started with the idea to help internet service providers (ISPs) connect users around the globe and resulted in one of the largest technology mergers in history! You'll also get an insider’s view of The Sunflower Model, Rob's signature business methodology used to gauge whether your startup concept is feasible and scalable.

Special thanks to Rob and Terry for giving the foundational gift to start the Cornell Entrepreneur Network (CEN) almost 20 years ago!

1:1 with Verizon’s Chief Diversity Officer

The work force and work place are changing, and diversity and inclusion are a big part of the conversation. Ideally, we are all thinking about how to make positive changes in our workplaces. Whether you’re an entrepreneur leading a startup or part of a larger organization, you will want to hear from Magda Yrizzary ’84, MRP ’03, P ’18, Verizon’s Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer.

Watch more videos

Connect to your network

Join alumni network on LinkedIn

Connect with more than 57,000 Cornellians and escape the pesky referral process. Plus, the Cornell logo will be added to your profile!

Cornell entrepreneurship list serve

Looking to connect with Cornell entrepreneurs? Join our Entrepreneurial List Serve and you'll be able to send and receive emails about all things eship-related to other Cornell alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and more. Emails are monitored to prevent spamming. To join, email Entrepreneurship-L-request@cornell.edu with the body of the email containing only the word "join."

Entrepreneurial resources

CEN is just one of many ways you can leverage Cornell to help you start or grow your business. From finding programs based in Silicon Valley to meeting your next mentor. The Cornell entrepreneurship ecosystem is always available to you.