Entrepreneurs should not be discouraged by the recession, but rather trying to figure out how they can continue to run a business even during grim times, as they may see large profits once the economy picks up. Emerging entrepreneurs can apply for the California Program for Entrepreneurship (CAPE), a six-month, free program that starts in June sponsored by the Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The program will select 20 winners based on the business potential of their ideas, leadership and ability to contribute to the growth of the California economy. "We hope to launch 20 California businesses in 20 months," Drew Starbird, dean of the business school, told the news provider. Starting in June, winners will enroll in classes, participate in virtual exercises and meetings with faculty mentors. In September, they will come to campus for an intensive five-day workshop and a business plan competition with a $5,000 prize. Participants develop specific functional expertise in marketing, finance and operations as well as skills in organizational dynamics, strategic management and communication, according to the project brief.  |