Dr. Benjamin Blackford

What do you want your students to take away from class?

• Discuss the various definitions of entrepreneurship and hypothesize how the differences among these definitions impact who is classified as an entrepreneur
• Explain how to encourage innovation and create an environment conducive to innovation
• Discuss and apply the two general approaches to developing and commercializing an innovative entrepreneurial opportunity
• Produce a feasibility analysis for a potential innovative entrepreneurial opportunity
• Discuss and identify the best source of funding for a potential entrepreneurial venture
• Compare the various business forms that can be utilized by an entrepreneur and assess which is most effective in various situations
• Formulate an effective venture pitch to entrepreneurs, bankers, potential investors, or other business community members
• Devise an exit strategy for a potential entrepreneurial venture
• Assess the methods for protecting intellectual property and the appropriate situation for each
• Critique and examine venture pitches by others based on the criteria presented in the course

Why did you start teaching?

I wanted to provide students the same opportunities the professors I had provided me, as well as share my experiences so others could also benefit from my experiences.

What advice would you give to your online students?

Take advantage of all the resources available to you and set a schedule.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

"Guardians of the Galaxy" (all of my recent reading is for research)

What do you do when you need a laugh?

Watch "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" or watch my German Shepherd, Sport, do something funny.