Release courtesy of NMSU News Center
WRITER: Justin Bannister, 575-646-5981, jbannist@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Sara Pirayesh Sanders, 575-646-7036, npirayes@nmsu.edu
The next great business idea doesn’t have to come from somebody with 25 years of experience. It doesn’t even have to come from someone 25 years old. That’s why New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center has created Studio G – a business incubator specially designed for college students and recent graduates.
“We see this as a place where ideas can grow,” said Sara Pirayesh Sanders, entrepreneurship director for NMSU’s Arrowhead Center. “We’ve really seen an increase in students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial ideas, so we wanted to provide a real-world laboratory where students can receive support and watch their ideas take off.”
Studio G is open to current NMSU students and those who have graduated within the past five years. The application process is ongoing, with innovative ideas more likely to be selected. Applicants should have at least a two-person operation. Once an applicant is selected, they will receive workspace, phone and Internet lines, a conference room and other administrative resources needed to start a business. In return, students must be willing to dedicate 10 hours a week to their operation.
“We’re looking for ideas across all disciplines,” said Marie Borchert, an educational specialist for Arrowhead Center. “From students interested in starting a technology business to an art student interested in opening an art studio – we encourage all students interested to apply.”
The selection process is competitive, with a limited number of spaces available. Students interested in applying or learning more about the program should call 575-646-7036 or e-mail npirayes@ad.nmsu.edu. Additional information is available at http://www.studiognmsu.com.
The launch of Studio G coincides with National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 19-26, 2011. A series of workshops and seminars from Studio G for students interested in entrepreneurship are also planned for later this year.
