Tuesday, May 17, 2011
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Admission

Graduate Student Centre, UBC Popint Grey
Facilitator: Roger Patterson

Would you like to be an entrepreneur? Do you have what it takes? Discover the important traits required to be a successful entrepreneur, how to assess risk, what makes a good business plan–and how to pitch it! Join UBC Graduate Pathways to Success program, MITACS Step and Entrepreneur Roger Patterson for an informative and interactive full-day workshop.

Topics to be covered:
•    Elements of successful businesses, elements of unsuccessful businesses
•    What it takes to be an Entrepreneur, self-assessment
•    Types of businesses
•    Different Sources of financing
•    Business planning
•    Elements of a successful pitch

The facilitator, Roger Patterson, loves creating successful companies. He has over 15 years’ experience in the software and telecom industries – 10 years of which were spent founding his own companies. After starting off his career working for large corporate behemoths such as Nortel and Newbridge Networks, Roger found himself drawn to smaller, more innovative start-up companies, in search of that elusive feeling of being able to make a difference.  Since 2001, Roger has founded 3 companies. He has been involved in the painful process of raising capital, as well as the more pleasurable process of having his company acquired. And in between, he has invented new algorithms, managed small and large teams, created new products, and fostered customer relationships on 3 continents – including a lot of flying around.  Through all this, Roger has come to love and be humbled by the truly creative process of entrepreneurism, and looks forward to helping others turn their ideas into businesses

Note:  Applicants from all BC post-secondary institutions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are accepted will be asked to fill in a survey ahead of the session to assist the facilitator.
Refreshments:  Light breakfast and beverages will be provided. Please bring your own mug.

Registration: Seats limited.  No charge for admission, but advance online registration is required at:
https://www.surveyfeedback.ca/surveys/wsb.dll/s/1gf94

Confirmation of registration status will be sent by e-mail within 2 working days.
Questions: gradgps@interchange.ubc.ca

UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies appreciates the support of the MITACS STEP program
(www.mitacs.ca)
and the UBC Graduate Student Society.