The College of Business is bringing the fourth annual Entrepreneur Day to Montana State University as part of its on-going community service to enhance entrepreneurial spirit and education. The program design of Entrepreneur Day is intended for high school and college students, but anyone interested in entrepreneurship or business is welcome to attend.

This free event will take place in the Strand Union Ballrooms B & C on the MSU campus Tuesday, April 1. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m., with the final session ending at 3:00 p.m. Reservations are requested by Friday, March 28, but early reservations are suggested as space is limited.

The day will be broken into several panel sessions. Session I will provide students a glimpse into the Alderson Program in Entrepreneurship (the only university program of its kind in the state) and some of the entrepreneurial and business management courses available through the College of Business, in collaboration with The Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West. A panel of students enrolled in these courses will offer insight on projects they are working on, courses designed to provide guidance to future business owners and competitions open to student participation.

A lively interactive conversation between a panel of young entrepreneurs and the audience will take place for Session II. The panelists will share ideas on personal experiences, personality types they believe fit the role of an entrepreneur, educational needs, as well as resources that have helped them develop as entrepreneurs.

Robin Bequet, owner of Bequet Confections, an artisan caramel business, will be the featured keynote speaker during the noon hour luncheon. Over the past six years, Bequet's high-end, gourmet caramels have won numerous awards in the gourmet food industry. Over 600 gourmet markets and natural food stores across the country carry these award winning, all-natural, Bequet Gourmet Caramels.

The final session of the day will be an open question and answer time with a panel of experts who provide services or advice to entrepreneurs beginning and expanding their businesses. They will share knowledge and real-life stories as the group explores what needs to be done, once a business is established, in order for it to succeed. Panelists include Jessica Watson, TechRanch; Kara Stermitz, Business Advisor/SBDC; Gary Bishop, Consultant and CoB Instructor; Bob Griffin, Crowley, Haughey, Hanson, Toole & Dietrich P.L.L.P.; and Jeff Koski, First Security Bank of Belgrade.

Entrepreneur Day reflects the College of Business' and the Alderson Program in Entrepreneurship's commitment to improve the economic development of Montana, while providing a framework for an outstanding educational experience for students. Entrepreneurship coursework is offered to students from any major in the University through the College's 30 credit-hour Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management minor. This event is sponsored in part by Boeing.

For further information about Entrepreneur Day or to RSVP, please contact Audrey Lee at 406-994-7026 or e-mail: audrey.lee@montana.edu.