Enterprise Business Initiative | The Enterprise Program @ Michigan Tech

The Enterprise Business Initiative is a cross Enterprise, collaborative group of students interested in applying business processes within their Enterprise teams while enhancing their Enterprise projects. Open to all students enrolled in the Michigan Tech Enterprise program, the initiative allows participating students a forum to discuss business topics with each other, enhance their own analysis, and develop conclusions and recommendations for projects within their Enterprise team.

Participating students can expect to gain insight into marketing, project management, and other business tools while networking with other like-minded Enterprise students. Interested students may self-select or be appointed by their Enterprise advisor or sub-team leader to participate in the Enterprise Business Initiative. The initiative also offers Enterprise students the chance to interact with industry professionals and build their professional network.

Talk to the Enterprise Program Office in M&M 722 or the Enterprise Business Initiative Advisor, Jonathan Leinonen to learn more.

Project Examples

Competition Teams

Enterprise teams that compete in collegiate competitions can benefit from having a representative work on the Enterprise Business Initiative. As the teams determine their approach, design factors that contribute to market acceptance and MSRP can be reviewed with others in the Initiative. Teams looking to make a strong business case can present their competition presentations to the Enterprise Business Initiative ahead of competition to gain constructive feedback. Aside from project specifics, participating students can work closer with the Enterprise Program Office on material purchases, donations, and discounts in order to maximize their team’s resources and hone project management skills.

Entrepreneurial Teams

Enterprise teams creating new and innovative projects will have the chance to determine the viability of their product earlier in the design cycle. Input from fellow Enterprise students and insight from College of Business Faculty will aid Entrepreneurial teams at all stages of development. Teams may benefit from faculty insights from particular disciplines such as management, finance and marketing, from information research tools available through the College of Business, and practical experience from faculty and alumni resources working in various industries. Teams are encouraged and can be supported through the Enterprise Business Initiative to participate in student business competitions and programs as well.

Industry Sponsored Teams

Enterprise teams with sponsored projects with business aspects are encourage to attend the Business Initiative. Student will have the chance to share non-confidential project information and formulate business approaches to accomplish project milestones and deliverables. Enterprise students on teams with limited Business student enrollment will be able to consult with others and share their project experience with students less familiar with business processes.

FAQs

Is the Enterprise Business Initiative only for business students?

No. Students from any discipline are welcome to participate, seek input for business considerations related to their enterprise and also contribute to discussions toward assisting other students.

Do I need to be enrolled in an enterprise to participate in the Enterprise Business Initiative?

Yes. The Enterprise Business Initiative is provided as a support service to work specifically with enrolled students in active Enterprise projects.

Do I need to commit to attending Enterprise Business Initiative meetings every week?

No. The Enterprise Business Initiative meets regularly each week on the basis that students will come and go as needs arise. All students are welcome to attend frequently in order to contribute to the discussion of topics for all participating Enterprises.

Is there an agenda for weekly Enterprise Business Initiative meetings?

Yes. The basic agenda for a one-hour meeting includes time for students to raise questions about their projects, discussion time, and consideration of a topic related to the relationship between business and engineering.

Is the Enterprise Business Initiative Advisor available upon request?

Yes. Students may contact the Enterprise Business Initiative Advisor related to particular questions as needed. This could be to find faculty to help with a particular question, to suggest a discussion topic for the weekly meeting, or to get further input on a topic, etc.

Does involvement in the Enterprise Business Initiative impact my grade?

Maybe. In itself, involvement in the Enterprise Business Initiative is not a graded activity. However, your Enterprise faculty advisor is still responsible for grading and may include participation in the Business Initiative as a matter of your graded project involvement.

Do I need to register to participate in the Enterprise Business Initiative?

No. There are no registration requirements for the Enterprise Business Initiative beyond being already registered and actively involved in an Enterprise for the current semester.

Are discussions within the Enterprise Business Initiative confidential?

No. Confidential topics should not be brought up in the Enterprise Business Initiative meeting. Many relevant concepts can be discussed without needing to provide confidential information. Consult your faculty advisor regarding project confidentiality concerns.

Who can I contact with additional questions regarding the Enterprise Program or the Enterprise Business Initiative?

Questions regarding the Enterprise program can be directed to the Enterprise Program Office general email (enterprise@mtu.edu) or the Enterprise Business Initiative Advisor, Jonathan Leinonen (jeleinon@mtu.edu).