Past E-celerator Events
From formal speaking engagements to lunch-and-learn workshops, the E-celerator’s events put an emphasis on student learning.
Many of our events are recorded. Please note that archived speaking events are proprietary to current undergraduates, graduate students, and registered alumni. You may contact the WCPE and the Entrepreneur in Residence for access to these videos.
For information about current and upcoming events, head back to the E-celerator home page.
Spring 2023
- E-Celerator New Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting Event
Friday, May 12, 2023, 11:45-12:45 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Lower Level, Room 016
Please join the entrepreneur’s initiative as they celebrate the opening of the new innovation center. - Speed Networking and Pizza Event with Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, May 3, 11:45-12:45 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Lower Level, Room 016
Enjoy some great pizza and the opportunity to meet six fun, smart entrepreneurs in the E-celerator’s fast-paced speed networking Q&A event. Get-to-know-you questions to be provided to get the conversation going. Make new contacts in the business world. -
Bluejay Tank Pitch CompetitionMonday, April 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m.Frick Center, Prospect RoomThe Bluejay Tank seeks to provide an exciting, educational experience while challenging students’ creativity and entrepreneurship skills. With $3,000 in prizes at stake, the winners can use their prizes to accelerate their innovative ideas to the next phase of development. VIEW COMPETITION.
- How I Launched my Corporate Auction Business and the Importance of Negotiations with Entrepreneur James Drury
Wednesday, April 5, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Lower Level, Room 016
In this installment of the E-celerator Lunch ‘n Learn series, students learned how James Drury—entrepreneur, author and professional auctioneer—launched his successful corporate auction business. Additionally, he’ll touch on the importance of negotiations and the role they play in business and life. - The Pulse Behind the Brand
Wednesday, Mar. 15, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Lower Level, Room 016
In this installment of the E-celerator Lunch ‘n Learn series, students learned how Karishma Bali, entrepreneur and CEO of Pulse, created a successful luxury activewear company. - Scaling Up: How I launched my Employee Engagement Business
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Room 016, and virtual
In this installment of the E-celerator Lunch ‘n’ Learn series, students learned how Laura DeRousse successfully launched a workplace engagement business and took over the property management world. View ‘Scaling Up’
Fall 2022
- In-Person Speed Networking Pizza Event with Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
A.C. Buehler Library, Room 016
Six fun, smart entrepreneurs participated in a fast-paced speed networking Q&A event. - How I Started My Professional Coaching Business
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Virtual
Successful entrepreneur Tom Kelly shared how his involvement with sales, his effective communication skills, expertise, and his entrepreneurial drive turned him into a successful entrepreneur coach. - Fall Bluejay Tank Competition
Wednesday, Oct. 19
Mill Theater
The Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition returned and crowned three winners! Bluejay Tank Home - Turning My Passion for Food into a Successful BusinessVirtual
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Sofia Defino started with a passion for food that unexpectedly led to her becoming a successful entrepreneur with her company, Meal Me, at the age of 24. View ‘Passion for Food’ - The Wonders of Crowdfunding! The Alternative Way to Fund Your New Business Idea
Virtual
Wednesday, Sept. 21
Gray Matters Games owner Joe Barron and Elmhurst Bluejay Tank contest runner-up Luis Chavez discussed the use of crowdfunding to kickstart a business or project. VIEW ‘THE Wonders of Crowdfunding’
Spring 2022
- From a Home Product to QVC: An Inspiring Entrepreneur’s Story
Virtual
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 - You Are Your Entrepreneurial Brand
Virtual
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Educator and entrepreneur Felicia Shakespeare, the founder of A Purpose Driven Woman LLC, gave advice on and insights into building a strong entrepreneurial brand.
- When You’re the Boss
Virtual
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Sandy Skibinski as she shared her entrepreneurial journey to owning a direct marketing company. - Taking Control: How I Started my Female-Owned Medical Equipment Company
Virtual
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Alison Emerick, CEO of Ease Living, shared how she founded her e-commerce business in the health care space.
Fall 2021
- The Importance of Insuring Your Business
Virtual
Entrepreneur Olivia Lucas discussed one of the most essential parts of launching your own business: having insurance that protects the business and its employees.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Launching a Successful Health Care Advocacy Business
Virtual
Entrepreneurs Beth Myers (BSN, RN) and Wendy Benson (MBA, OTR/L) shared the story of the successful launch of their company, 2×2 Health.
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - What Is an Incubator, and What Does it Do for You?
Learn about incubating a start-up company with support from Innovation DuPage. Jim Bell, director of operations and partner engagement at Innovation DuPage, spoke about the valuable resources available.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - Computing Your Career
A tech entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience answered questions about cloud and software development.
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 - Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Event Recap - E-celerator Lunch and Learn Speaker: Christina Montalvo
Elmhurst alumna Christina Montalvo, Latina founder of The Confidence Project, recounted her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 - Bluejay Tank Pitch Workshop
Students prepared for the fall Bluejay Tank business pitch competition (Oct. 27) with insights on event expectations and assistance to help brainstorm a business idea.
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 - Diversity: A Good Business Practice (Roland Quest Lecture)
Daymond John, an original co-star of the popular “Shark Tank” TV series and founder and CEO of the FUBU lifestyle brand, shared his life story and keys to success.
Thursday, September 23, 2021 - Launching Your Own Franchising Business: a Unique Path to Entrepreneurship
Tom DuFore (’04) and CEO of the Big Sky Franchise spoke about a unique path to entrepreneurship: owning your own franchising business.
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Spring 2021
- How To Get Started: How To Turn A College Project Into A Social Enterprise
David Rojas Jr., founder and CEO of TA98, spoke about starting a business that gives back to your community and brings about positive social change.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - The Art of Engaging Angel Investors
In this installment of the E-celerator Speaker Series, Travis Linderman of Innovation DuPage shared strategies on how to gain initial sources of revenue for your start-up.
April 14, 2021 - Innovation Panel Discussion: Time for New Ideas
A panel discussion on the urgent need for innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring Elmhurst professor Dr. Bruce Fischer, Elmhurst professor Dr. Soni Simpson, Elmhurst Entrepreneur in Residence Patrick Yanahan and Travis Linderman of Innovation DuPage.
April 7, 2021 - Why Does Diversity in Entrepreneurship Matter?
Successful entrepreneur guest panelists spoke about the importance of diversity among entrepreneurs. Panelists included Quincy Banks, Christina Montalvo and Jennie Oh Brown.
March 24, 2021 - BlueJay Tank Pitch Competition Workshop
Patrick Yanahan, our Entrepreneur in Residence, discussed how to create a successful entry for the BlueJay Tank Pitch Competition.
March 23, 2021
- Bruno Tabis
Virtual lunch and learn: Launching Your Own Entrepreneurial Business, and Making Sure It’s Legal
Feb. 17, 2021
Fall 2020
Oluwaseyi Adeolu
- Name the Entrepreneurship Initiative Competition
We are the E-celerator! Thank you to all of the Elmhurst University students, faculty and staff who contributed name ideas and helped judge the finalists during the naming competition. While the winning name was a team effort, the Entrepreneurs Initiative gave special recognition to Oluwaseyi Adeolu, who received the most votes among students for her name submission.
Contest Ran During the Fall Term - Nick Bank
Lunch and learn about lessons from Bank’s experience launching two businesses while at Elmhurst.
Dec. 3, 2020 - Daisy and Alex Betance
Virtual lunchtime Q&A with Elmhurst University alumni: Launching Your Own Startup in the Clean Lifestyle Products Market
Nov. 18, 2020 - How Student’s Entrepreneurial Idea Became Bili Blankets for Africa
Virtual event with Matt Glucksberg
Nov. 11, 2020 - Tim Palmer
CyberSafe 360 founder Palmer shared his thoughts about starting a company in the IT security realm.
Oct. 28, 2020 - Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition
Virtual event featuring students’ ideas for business and entrepreneurship.
Oct. 21, 2020 - Why Diversity in Entrepreneurship Matters
Virtual event with Christina Hamilton, Melissa Villanueva and Angela Howard
Oct. 7, 2020 - Elmhurst Entrepreneurs Lunch and Learn
As the founder of HomeWatch Caregivers, Dennise Vaughn will share information on starting a business in senior care.
Sept. 30, 2020 - How I Became a Successful Entrepreneur via Robots
Virtual event with Jerome DuBois, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 6 River Systems
Sept. 24, 2020
Mark Heintz
- How Economic Downturns Create Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Virtual event with Mitch Harris, owner of Strongbox Fitness in Glen Ellyn
April 16, 2020
- What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur
Meet and Greet with Mark Heintz
Feb. 19, 2020