Whether someone has a fully formed business concept or simply a desire to solve a problem in their community, the journey to entrepreneurship often begins with asking the right questions. To help aspiring entrepreneurs explore and refine their ideas, the UMB Office of Community and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies is offering "Ideas to Impact: Explore, Test, and Shape Your Business Idea" on Monday, Nov. 2, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the UMB Community Engagement Center (CEC).
This interactive workshop is designed for individuals interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and problem-solving. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities, better understand community needs, and evaluate potential business ideas using practical tools drawn from design thinking and market research.
Rather than focusing solely on business planning, the session encourages participants to think critically about the problems they want to solve and the people they hope to serve. By exploring customer needs and testing assumptions early, aspiring entrepreneurs can develop stronger ideas and make more informed decisions about future ventures.
What Participants Will Learn
During the workshop, attendees will:
- Identify opportunities based on community and market needs
- Explore design thinking approaches to problem-solving
- Use market research tools to evaluate and strengthen business concepts
- Develop practical strategies for turning ideas into actionable opportunities
No prior business experience is required, and participants do not need to arrive with a business idea already in mind. The workshop is intended to be accessible to anyone interested in learning more about entrepreneurship and innovation.
Partnership Supporting Entrepreneurship
The program is co-sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies, reflecting UMB's commitment to supporting innovation, professional growth, and economic opportunity for students and community members alike.
Attend In Person or Online
The workshop will be offered both in person and via Zoom. In-person attendance is recommended to maximize opportunities for interaction and discussion, though space is limited. The session will be held at the CEC, 16 S. Poppleton St., Baltimore, MD 21201.
Register Today
Community members, students, alumni, faculty, and staff interested in entrepreneurship are encouraged to attend.
Register for the event. For additional information, call 410-706-1931 or email workforce@umaryland.edu.