Money Magazine has placed Charlottesville on its list of best small metro areas to launch a start-up. Featured on the CNN Money Magazine site, the article notes:
Entrepreneurs with brainy businesses find Charlottesville a great place to launch. The University of Virginia plays a starring role, bringing diversity and tremendous cultural, creative, scientific and historical resources to the city. It also helps foster Charlottesville’s thriving entrepreneurial community. Local business owners can’t say enough good things about Darden, UVA’s graduate business school, which boasts the world-class Batten Institute for entrepreneurship. In addition to fostering education on innovation, Batten offers incubator space and other assistance to grad students starting businesses.
Tony Naidu, a graduate of Darden’s 2009 MBA for Executives class launched his ethics simulation software company, Biz-LX while a student in the program.
“If you choose to be an entrepreneur while at Darden, there really are unlimited resources available to you,” notes Tony, adding ” There’s a hub within the school itself. Our firm was launched by several students, using the resources available to us through the program. ”
“In addition to the real world relevant classes, faculty were always available to give “personal consulting” and we were able to gain incredible experience through initiatives such as the annual university wide business plan contest. Events such as the E-Bootcamp set up by the Batten Institute, really help develop entrepreneurial thinking in a practical way”
“The informal, community parts of Darden are just as important,” Tony continues. ” Through my network at Darden I received introductions to people ranging from top angel investors and attorneys to leading subject matter experts.”
The faculty could not have been more supportive. The resources are all here, it’s up to the individual to use them and do the work. I really used the second year of my executive MBA to build my business from concept to reality.”
