Businesses come to campus for much more than the annual Job Expo, where they can recruit employees and interns.
Board of Advisors
Founded in 1998, the Westmont Board of Advisors offers a way for national business
leaders to be involved on campus. The dynamic business executives who belong to this
group provide links to the marketplace students enter when they graduate. The advisors
meet twice a year to advise the college on curricular and related issues. Their duties
include meeting with professors and students and serving as guest lecturers and consultants
on campus.
Business Plan Competition
Students in Professor David Newton’s class on entrepreneurship do more than just read
about starting a business. They actually create a business plan and compete on campus
before six outside judges. The winning plans advance to international competitions
(see story on page 9).
The Central Coast Venture Forum
Originally known as the Westmont Venture Forum, this event unites some 30 start-up
companies from Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and northern Los Angeles County
with prominent venture capitalists from across the country. Presenters share their
visions, risk, and, ultimately, profits with nearly 350 investors, who learn about
the latest new companies and concepts. California is a hot market for venture capitalists.
International Programs
Preparing students to work in the global marketplace is an important part of Westmont’s
program. Nearly every summer for the past 20 years, Professor Roy Millender has taken
a group of students overseas. Most of the time they traveled to business capitals
in Europe, including Communist countries. In 1998 and 1999, he led the Westmont in
Asia program, which included a four-week business internship in China. He hopes to
offer this program again in 2001.
MIT Enterprise Forum
Once a month, students can network with entrepreneurs who present real business plans
to venture capitalists.
Small Business Barometer
Since 1992, Professor David Newton and his students have been tracking data from entrepreneurial
firms in the South County. Twice a year, he publishes this information in the Small
Business Barometer to document emerging trends.
Small Business Case Studies
In a classic win-win situation, Professor Roy Millender pairs students with local
small businesses. Together, they agree upon a project, and the student then analyzes
the business and makes suggestions for improvement to the owner.