For those of you that didn’t get your application for Startec’s Idea Camp in, the deadline has been extended a week.  Get your applications in by October 7th.  See Startec’s website for more information.

Do you have an innovative technology, product or process in the early stages of development? Would you like to work with industry experts and coaches to create a winning product pitch and value proposition for your technology concept? Then register to participate in STAR Technology Enterprise Center’s inaugural IDEA Camp. This collaborative event will help inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses refine their “60 second elevator pitch” and effectively communicate their product’s competitive attributes. 

 Through Idea Camp, participants will:  Redefine their business model and value proposition, test product message in front of 75 mentors, industry experts, and peers, engage in collaborative workshops, Elevator Pitch, branding.

 Only 20 projects will be selected.  Visit this site to register.

This past week, USF’s entrepreneurship program had a surprise visit from the Bay Area’s own, Kevin Harrington.  Kevin is known for being one of the creators of the ‘Infomercial’ and has helped launch the careers of people such as the late Billy Mays.  He is also most recently known as one of the investors on ABC’s new TV show “Shark Tank.”  Kevin spoke to the New Venture Formation class about how he got started in TV and the struggles he faced along the way.  Read more about him in his new book or on his website.  Watch the show on ABC.com or catch new episodes every Sunday at 9pm EST.  Thanks for sharing your time with the students, Kevin.  

Come join us on Friday September 11, 2009 @ 8pm for the first O.P.E.N. (Organizing to Promote Entrepreneurial Networking) Party of the school year.  What better way to create career spaning bonds with like-minded peers than with good drinks, food, and music in a luxurious and informal setting?  Join the BNFE LinkedIn group or contact us for more information and directions.

A brief update on the student organization’s status and membership numbers.  We have submitted our request for continued ‘Active’ status under the SGA regulations.  Our request was approved. 

Initial membership numbers for Fall 2009:  Total of 70 members STRONG!

The Gulf Coast Business Review featured an article about Allen Clary, a local entrepreneur and alumni of The University of South Florida.  His web startup, Jibidee.com, is a tool to help people organize their business and home.  He hopes to continue to grow his business over the next 3 to 5 years.

The University of South Florida recently featured an article in The Oracle that talks about how the College of Business Administration’s Entrepreneurship program has been attracting more students during this economic decline.  According to program director, Michael Fountain, since the Masters program began a few years back, enrollment has gone from 17 to 120 in 2009.  The program was ranked in the top 5 entrepreneurship programs across the nation by Princeton Review last year.  Visit the Center’s homepage for more information about USF’s Entrepreneurship program.  Read the full article in the USF Oracle