Mentor Confab
The Duree Center and the St. Louis chapter of SCORE will host our Mentors and invited guests on April 11, 2024 for a time of socializing and learning. This event will be on the campus of Lindenwood University (Spellmann Center - AB Leadership Room).
Event Schedule
Registration & Social Time: 8 - 8:45 a.m.
Introduction & Sponsor's Message: 8:45 - 9 a.m.
The Future of Money: 9 - 9:45 a.m.
Bitcoin represents a new frontier in the creation of an economic and financial instrument. It is open-source money, algorithmically created with a decentralized architecture. Moreover, it functions as an economic means of exchange and a new investment asset class. Its creation spawned other forms of digital-only sources of value, some which are open-source and others that are proprietary.
The presentation examines essentials of Bitcoin, decentralization, blockchain, and their impact on the economy.
Session facilitated Jim Mosquera. Jim is director of the Duree Center for Entrepreneurship and director of the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise at Lindenwood University. His professional career spanned executive positions in telecommunications and technology. Jim also founded a company offering alternative financing to SMB enterprises. In addition to founding a publishing company, he is the author of the Escaping Oz book series, an exploration of financial topics and the intersection of politics and economics. In this series he discussed Bitcoin in 2010. He also penned the Chandler Scott thriller series, an intriguing journey of politics, financial crisis, cyber & domestic terrorism in a post 2020 United States of America. Last year he published Seth's Epic Journey, a novella covering humanity's ultimate question. Jim earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Missouri.
Break: 9:45 - 10 a.m.
Enhancing Mentorship with Practical AI Use Cases for Entrepreneurs: 10 - 10:45 a.m.
This session explores the innovative application of ChatGPT-4 (Microsoft Co-Pilot) in enhancing mentorship for entrepreneurs, focusing on personalized learning, scenario-based decision-making, and effective networking strategies. Through practical use cases, mentors will discover how to leverage ChatGPT-4 to provide tailored educational content, simulate real-world business challenges, and guide mentees in expanding their professional networks. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on integrating AI into their mentoring practices, enriching the entrepreneurial journey for both mentors and mentees.
This session facilitated by Lindenwood University Professor James Hutson.
Professor James Hutson is an administrator and researcher in higher education specializing in artificial intelligence, neurohumanities, neurodiversity, immersive realities, digital humanities, and gamification of education. He received his BA in Art from the University of Tulsa, MA in Art History from Southern Methodist University, and his PhD in Art History from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has also received his MA in Leadership and MA in Game Design at Lindenwood University and recently completed his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Capitol Technology University. Dr. Hutson has taught at five universities across the country since 2006 and has served as chair of Art History and program manager of Pre-Art Therapy and Pre-Art Conservation, Assistant Dean of Graduate and Online Programs for the School of Arts, Media, and Communication, and now serves as Lead XR Disruptor and Department Head of Art History and Visual Culture for the College of Arts and Humanities. His scholarship focuses on the intersections of art, culture, and technology.
Break: 10:45 - 11 a.m.
Business Financing: 11 - 11:45 a.m.
This presentation will provide an overview of programs and funding options for clients at different stages of business development. It will define and explain the various choices available to clients, including Incubators, Accelerators, Grants, Debt Financing (Loans), and Equity. Participants will receive a detailed guide covering local St. Louis:
- Incubators and Accelerators- program details and requirements.
- Startup Grants - award size and application requirements.
- Debt Financing – SBA, traditional lending, and micro loan programs.
- Equity sources and leading crowdfunding platforms.
This session facilitated by SCORE volunteer Greg Sahrmann.
Greg is an accomplished entrepreneur with 35 years of experience starting and building high performing companies in the fintech industry. His experience includes cofounding two large payment processing companies and leading one these companies through an MBO and eventual resale. His experience also includes starting an early-stage investment firm and running the payment processing businesses for a publicly held company and a major national bank. Greg has an MBA and BSCE from the University of Missouri and is currently serving as a SCORE volunteer and mentor.
