We kicked off our Venture Coaching Program in November 2008 and so far it has been an enormous success!

The Launch Pad works with a select team of coaches who offer industry-specific expertise to both new and experienced entrepreneurs and innovators. Our Venture Coaches are introduced to new business projects at a monthly breakfast and volunteer to work with the entrepreneurs of their choice in a team-mentoring approach, providing helpful guidance and feedback from multiple perspectives. The path to success for each venture is unique, thus goals and objectives are specific and customized based on various factors, including product or service attributes, team strengths and weaknesses, financial resources, and firm strategy, among other things. Current venture coaches include a venture capitalist, scientists, attorneys, engineers, designers, and many entrepreneurs who volunteer to help our students and alumni start new businesses.

The program simply begins with creating a member profile. This profile enables the coaches to interface with our online community.

The process for becoming a Venture Coach entails submitting your resume to thelaunchpad@miami.edu. We will set up an appointment for you to come in and meet with a member of our team. At this meeting we will interview you, detail the program, and let you know the exact requirements necessary to qualify as a mentor. Although we do ask for a substantial time committment, the rewards of mentoring are well worth it.