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Attendees; students, entrepreneurs, small business and supportive Vermont state agencies and institutions, sat in small groups of 8 to 10 people to discuss and brainstorm key elements of a grass roots entrepreneur based economy and meeting the needs and challenges of starting and maintaining a small business. Below are the brainstorming topics and their responses:
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New inventions
Highlight issues that need to be addressed Jobs Solving problems Tax revenue Giving people a voice Fulfills the American dream Economic stimulus Empowers people Upward mobility Work schedule freedom Money Tourist Self actualize Motivation Success Income Help economy |
 Photo by Glenn Callahan, The Stowe Reporter |
Generate a list of characteristics that entrepreneurs possess.
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Committed |
 Photo by Glenn Callahan, The Stowe Reporter |
What can a person do to strengthen an area/characteristic in which he/she is weak?
| Practice, practice, practice Public speaking class Partner Take classes, hire an accountant Chamber of Commerce Job shadow Support from peers Experience Read more Ask question Keep trying until you succeed Put yourself in a position where you have to exercise character Approach and overcome it Network Attend conference, workshops and seminars Learn from mentors Have partners that compliment you Get hands on experience in the area Practice, force yourself to do it Put yourself in area where your weakness is minimized |
 Photo by Glenn Callahan, The Stowe Reporter |
Who will make up your business support network? Make a list of professionals you will need.
| Mentors Lawyers Bankers Family Friends “Fools” Target Market Financial Advisor Business Consultant Other entrepreneurs Market analysis Graphic Designer Web designer Employees Partners SBA (Small Business Administration) Investors Politicians Clients Competitors Engineers Spouse, significant other Rotary Club Other successful professionals |
 Photo by Glenn Callahan, The Stowe Reporter |
The thought of being my own boss makes me ________ because _________.
| Nervous | need to be harder on myself because no one will tell me what to do; Self Disciplined |  Photo by Glenn Callahan, The Stowe Reporter |
| Excited | because of me being a Type A person | |
| Motivation | force themselves, get work done on time | |
| Anxious | freedom, risk | |
| Happy | freedom, opportunity | |
| Nervous | responsibility | |
| Excited | accountable to self | |
| Work hard | help reward myself | |
| Work hard | because of the risks involved | |
| Responsive | because I am helping clients | |
| Powerful | because I have the say | |
First Place Winners
1st Place Hand Done – Ashley Brown of Graniteville, VT – Randolph Career and Technical Center – Grade 11