By Samantha Kleinman
NFL Player Engagement
In April 2014, Player Engagement’s popular Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program is returning to the University of Notre Dame for the second year in a row. An example of Player Engagement’s “Player to Player” model, this version of the program was originally conceptualized by Jeff Faine (10-year NFL veteran) and Brady Quinn (New York Jets). They felt strongly that Notre Dame could provide business education focused on an area not already covered by other service offerings – social entrepreneurism – and worked diligently with PE throughout 2012 to facilitate the launch of the first program. Based on strong feedback from the 2013 participants, PE is bringing BM&E back to Notre Dame and welcoming a new class of participants.
If you’re interested in the business side of any industry, the Notre Dame BM&E Program will provide you with a solid foundation into disciplines that are fundamental to business success. Sessions on topics including sustainable investment strategies, building a business plan, pitching a business concept, financial analysis, and diversifying investments taught by faculty from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business provide education and insight into how some of the best minds in business think.
With a soft focus on social entrepreneurism, the Notre Dame BM&E Program features sessions and panel discussions highlighting various ways that you can give back to your community, whether you start a foundation, a non-for-profit, or a profit-earning business that addresses a cause. Player Engagement knows how much NFL players care about causes, and this program offers an excellent opportunity for you to acquire additional tools to assist you with giving back. You will hear from past BM&E participants who have achieved success in business, such as Charlie Batch (15-year NFL veteran), Jeff Faine, and J.R. Tolver (4-year NFL veteran), as well as successful speakers from the business community who can share their experiences in using business to address a social cause.
To provide additional experience in entrepreneurism, attendees will participate in the first-ever BM&E Group Pitch Contest. Participants will be split into small groups focusing on assigned business topics as chosen by the players. Throughout the program, players will use the information gained from classroom sessions and panel discussions to build out a comprehensive business pitch that they will deliver to a panel of judges on the last day of the program. The Group Pitch Contest will provide you with mentoring from business and communications professionals during and after the program and experience in business presentation skills.
All participants in the Notre Dame BM&E Program will be eligible to enter their business ideas in Notre Dame’s 2014-2015 McCloskey Business Plan Competition. 4-year veteran J.R. Tolver, who participated in the 2013 program, used the information he gained and worked closely with his mentor following the program to further build out his business plan, which he has now entered into this year’s competition. The Notre Dame BM&E Program could be the catalyst you need to jumpstart your business career.
The Notre Dame BM&E Program will take place on April 3rd – 6th, 2014. The cost to attend is $6,500 plus travel. Participants may be eligible for tuition reimbursement – contact Player Engagement to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Tuition Assistance Benefit. Applications are available now and must be submitted by January 17th, 2014. Visit the NFL Engagement Zone for additional information and to apply.