- Date published
Program includes introduction to Great Game of Business for Missouri State University students and efactory members.
Employers need talent and college students are looking for meaningful learning experiences. The newly launched efactory Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program gives efactory incubator members and Missouri State University students the chance to achieve those goals together.
The Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program pairs Missouri State University student talent with a startup company for a semester-long engagement. This partnership gives Missouri State students a real-world view into entrepreneurship while using their talents and skills in support of the member business.
“Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects, develop essential business skills and network with industry professionals, all while preparing them for successful careers in the business world,” said Emily Denniston, director of community engagement and operations at efactory.
Investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs
efactory is launching this pilot program and financially supporting the MSU student interns for their work through grant funding from Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) as part of the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) program (announced previously).
According to MTC Executive Director Jack Scatizzi, “By strategically investing in entrepreneur support organizations, we aim to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the necessary resources and guidance to grow their businesses in Missouri.”
Additionally, the Hatch Foundation, as part of their mission to support entrepreneurship in the region, will serve as the 2025 program sponsor.
“The Hatch Foundation is thrilled to support the efactory Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program, as it will not only provide valuable resources to their member companies but also offers college students hands-on experience in their fields while learning about startups,” said Erin Danastasio, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. “We believe this program will help students develop crucial skills while strengthening their connection to our community, creating a lasting impact for both the students and local businesses.”
Building business partnerships
“This is the kind of program that we get incredibly excited about because it intertwines so much of what we do,” Denniston said. “Everyone wins because the program will provide enriching talent development opportunities for students. It lets us support our members by giving them access to talented students. And it also involves our amazing corporate partners and provides meaningful professional development through inclusion of the Great Game of Business. We are grateful to all the partners who have a hand in supporting this effort.”
The interns will participate in cohort activities, including MiniGames (part of GGOB). These MiniGames are created to simulate business scenarios, improve knowledge and understanding of business and financials, foster teamwork, and gamify effort and results.
“We’re thrilled to have The Great Game of Business incorporated into the efactory Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program. This framework offers invaluable insights into the complexities of building a business, benefiting both member companies and students,” said Kristi Stinger, president of GGOB. “Having first connected with the Great Game of Business through MSU Student Employment when I was in college, it’s especially meaningful to see this collaboration come full circle.”
Long-term impact
“We expect that for years to come we’ll continue to see the tremendous impact of this program as the interns start their entrepreneurial ventures, lean on the knowledge and mentorship they received at efactory and employ the principles of GGOB,” Denniston added.
Program highlights:
Interns will have the chance to work on practical projects with efactory’s network of entrepreneurs and startups.
Through hands-on learning, interns will gain valuable skills in areas such as business planning, marketing, finance and operations.
Interns will be exposed to concepts of the Great Game of Business and build their business skills.
Alongside experienced entrepreneurs, students will receive mentorship, guidance and support throughout the program.
Interns will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals at efactory events and workshops.
Applications open now
Applications for the first cohort of the efactory Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program are open and will be accepted through Jan. 10, 2025. The first semester will kick off in early 2025. Applications will re-open again in the Spring, and the pilot will run through 2026.
