In the News
We are thrilled to announce a significant addition to our team that is set to bring a wealth of experience, insights, and innovation to our campus. Please join us in welcoming Brian Hoang BS’19, our new Entrepreneur in Residence!
Who is Brian Hoang?
Brian Hoang is a seasoned entrepreneur and UTD alum with a proven track record of turning ideas into successful ventures. While earning his undergraduate degree in software engineering, Brian and classmate Marwan Kodeih launched SURVIVR, a provider of immersive and virtual reality (VR) training solutions for military and law enforcement first responders.
With a background in computer science, Brian brings a unique blend of skills, creativity, and strategic thinking to the table. His passion for guiding students through the startup journey aligns seamlessly with our mission, making him an ideal fit for the role.
What Does an Entrepreneur in Residence Do?
As our Entrepreneur in Residence, Brian will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within our organization. He will be actively engaged in mentoring, advising, and collaborating with early-stage student startup teams helping to advise on business strategy, product development, marketing, fundraising, and other critical aspects of entrepreneurship.
Connect with Brian
We encourage everyone in our community to connect with Brian and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings. Feel free to reach out, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. Together, we can create an environment that fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Chat with Brian on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 pm CST. Sign up here.
January 3, 2024
Dallas, TX – Running a business can be a challenging journey, and the University of Texas at Dallas is stepping up to support the local entrepreneurial community through its innovative, six-week Community Business Booster program. This transformative initiative, funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration, aims to provide invaluable assistance, resources, and expert guidance to help businesses thrive—all at no cost to participants.
Founders of small businesses from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to elevate their businesses. The deadline for the Retailer Track application is January 6, 2024, for a January 22nd start date.
“The Community Business Booster Program is more than just a support system; it’s a catalyst for success. We believe that by providing tailored guidance, resources, and these exclusive benefits, we can empower businesses of all sizes and types to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth,” said Carol Marcus-Rehtmeyer, executive director of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Dallas.
The UT Dallas team plans to serve 150 businesses over two years.
Program Application Details:
Timeline: Each track will participate in a six-week program on the following dates.
- Retailers – January 22 – February 26
- Social Service and Nonprofits – April 8 – May 13
- Service Providers – July 8 – August 12
- Startups and New Projects – October 7 – November 11
Who can apply: Small business owners serving retail, social service, nonprofits, service providers, and startups and new projects. While the program’s goal is to increase access for underrepresented groups, all eligible entrepreneurs regardless of background are encouraged to apply.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Highlights:
- Learn from industry experts through a carefully curated curriculum that addresses key aspects of business development, strategy, and sustainability.
- Establish connections with industry professionals who will serve as mentors, providing valuable insights, guidance, and networking opportunities.
- The University of Texas at Dallas will cover select expenses associated with the program, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation.
- Participants will receive a complimentary six-month membership at the state-of-the-art co-working space at the Richardson IQHQ, providing a conducive environment for collaboration and innovation.
- Each cohort will have opportunities to tap into additional university resources.
Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Texas at Dallas
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a nationally ranked center for student entrepreneurship and innovation at The University of Texas at Dallas and an interdisciplinary division of the Naveen Jindal School of Management. The institute provides opportunities for hundreds of students, faculty, and alumni to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include workshops, networking events, pitch competitions, venture support, innovation programs, scholarships, community outreach, and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background. Learn more at innovation.utdallas.edu.
For more information, please contact: Sarah Crowe, sarah.crowe@utdallas.edu
By. Pouyan Azizpour MBA/MSIE’22
On October 25th, Dallas set the stage for entrepreneurial brilliance by hosting the annual Venture Dallas conference at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. This landmark event assembled an eclectic mix of venture capitalists, angel investors, and aspiring startups, creating an atmosphere charged with innovation and opportunity.
Thanks to Bryan Chambers, who instructs our seed fund class at UT Dallas, my classmates and I had the invaluable opportunity to volunteer at this prestigious event. The experience was extraordinary and eye-opening, offering us first hand interactions with pivotal players in the startup ecosystem and venture capital landscape. Since joining the Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSIE) degree program, I’ve immersed myself in the burgeoning Dallas startup scene, attending an array of events and pitch competitions. However, Venture Dallas stands out as a unique and prestigious gathering of industry giants.
The panels were a highlight, featuring success stories from diverse sectors including sports innovation, defense technology, and human health. One of the standout moments was a fireside chat with Nirav Tolia, the founder of Nextdoor and a familiar face on Shark Tank. His discussion was followed by another enriching Q&A session with Dirk Nowitzki, the former NBA champion and Dallas Mavericks player, adding a layer of depth and excitement to the event.
The networking opportunities presented were nothing short of phenomenal. As someone deeply involved in organizing innovation and entrepreneurship events in Dallas and having had the chance to engage in similar settings in major cities like Silicon Valley, I can confidently say that Dallas’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving at an unparalleled rate.
The day solidified my belief that Dallas is not just riding the wave of entrepreneurial expansion; it is setting the pace. Thanks to academic programs like the one at UTD, and opportunities provided by professors like Bryan Chambers, students like myself are not mere observers but active participants in this exciting journey.
As I look forward to the horizon, I am brimming with anticipation for the countless opportunities that are sure to unfold, fortifying the incredible experience gained at this year’s Venture Dallas event.
Learn more about Venture Capital Seed Fund Course (ENTP 4398 / 6377)