Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a process, and it is essential because it drives economic growth, creates jobs, and fuels innovation. By identifying and seizing opportunities, entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping the future and contributing to the success and prosperity of communities worldwide.

Business Level Strategy

Business-Level Strategy: Lessons from McDonald’s and How It Can Shape Your Business Decisions

By Claude B. Kershner IV

In our Capstone class last night, we dove deep into the fascinating world of business-level strategy, using McDonald’s as a…

Read More
Trade Business

Debunking the Venture Capital Mindset

By Claude B. Kershner IV

We challenge the prevailing narrative that positions venture capital as the only viable route for entrepreneurial success. This article delves into the often overlooked yet vital reality of entrepreneurship that operates beyond the high-energy pitch competitions. We highlight alternative support systems like the University of Notre Dame’s McKenna Center – Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, which provide crucial resources for a diverse range of business models. By exploring the Corridor Principle, we emphasize the emergent nature of entrepreneurship, where opportunities unfold dynamically as the journey progresses. Join us in rethinking the ecosystem of business creation, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability in supporting true entrepreneurial spirit.

Read More
Manager and Entrepreneur

The Manager vs. Entrepreneur

By Claude Kershner IV

Transitioning to a manager poses a significant challenge for entrepreneurs. Balancing creativity with structured organization is key. By empowering our team and implementing efficient systems, we ensure sustainable growth.

Read More
collaborative thinking

Chasing the Expert is a Mistake: The Power of Collaborative Learning

By Claude Kershner IV

Shared thinking is a powerful tool that can lead to faster, more mature, and more creative thinking, resulting in better outcomes. Great ideas are often the result of collaboration and building on each other’s good ideas. As a Romanian born artist once said, “Creativity is to see what everybody has seen and to think what nobody has thought,” and shared thinking can help individuals tap into that creativity and generate new ideas and solutions that may not have been possible through solo thinking.

Read More
Funding Your Venture

Funding Your Venture: The Importance of Accounting, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship Education

By Claude Kershner IV

The promise of securing funding from investors or commercial lenders can be enticing. Yet, it’s important to be aware of the many misconceptions and common myths that come along with it. Investing in mentorship and education, understanding the language of business and finance, and exploring alternative funding methods are all essential to building a successful business.

Read More
Key Partnerships

Maximizing Business Success: The Importance of Key Partnerships and Key Activities in Your Business Model

By Claude Kershner IV

Key partnerships and activities provide businesses the tools to access vital resources, gain a competitive advantage, and ultimately create more customer value. However, identifying and leveraging these components can be a challenging process.

Read More
Business Model Canvas

Empowering Commercial Loan Specialists: The Importance of Understanding the Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup Methodology

By Claude Kershner IV

Commercial loan specialists must understand and utilize the Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup Methodology. By doing so, they can stay competitive, make informed funding decisions, reduce the risk of failure, and support the growth of innovative businesses.

Read More
Small Business Owner

Leveraging the Life-Cycle Framework: Helping Small Business Owners Transition from a Lifestyle Business to a Managed Growth Business

By Claude Kershner IV

As a consultant, I work with small business owners to help them achieve their goals and grow their companies. One common challenge I see is the transition from a “lifestyle business” to a managed growth business. This transition can be difficult, as the owners must shift their focus from their personal needs to the needs of the business, and implement new strategies and systems to support growth.

Read More

Adopting Creativity and Innovation for Next-Generation Business Leaders

By Claude B. Kershner IV

As a business owner or leader, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. One way to do this is by fostering creativity and innovation within your company. Not only will this help you stay competitive, but it will also attract the next generation of workforce leaders who are seeking exciting, dynamic work environments.

Read More
Selling your business

Small Family Business Sales: Navigating the Exit Process

By Claude B. Kershner IV

Small family businesses play an important role in the economy, providing jobs and services to communities, and serving as engines of growth. However, as the owners age and consider retirement, they may face the decision of selling the business to a prospective buyer. This can be an emotional and complex process, as it involves not only the transfer of the business itself but also the financial and personal well-being of the owners and their families.

Read More