The CESB currently offers three programs. The Bear B.I.D. and Bear B.I.D. X programs are designed to help participants develop their business plans and end with a competition, with prizes awarded to the best business plans. The CESB also hosts entrepreneur panels.
If you have suggestions for another program that the CESB might offer, please share them with us.
Bear B.I.D.
The 2025 Bear B.I.D. program begins with an information session on February 5, 2025.
See the Bear B.I.D. program site for details. (BSU login credentials required.)
Entrepreneur Panels
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business (CESB) Entrepreneur Panel program connects students, faculty and staff with entrepreneurs through panel discussions with entrepreneurs.
Fall 2024
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024: Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Panel
The CESB is partnering with the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) to host a panel of entrepreneurs who are founders of local nonprofits and social enterprises that are focused on the common good or taking action on social justice issue.
The entrepreneur panel is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Heritage Room, Maxwell Library. Five entrepreneurs will participate on the panel:
Rachel Calabrese, '93, Founder and Executive Director, ConfiKids
Kristie Dean, Founder and Executive Director, The Soul Project
Tammy Dzialo, '02, Founder and Director, Project PACK
Tommy and Elena Hogan, Owners, The Boundless Bean
Tommy Hogan, Founder, and Stephanie Holmgren, Board Member, The Cedar Street Community Center
Light refreshments will be served. Register here!
Bear B.I.D. X
The Bear B.I.D. X program is available to women, immigrants and people of color seeking to open businesses in southeastern Massachusetts. The program helps selected participants prepare business plans and then compete for cash awards in a Shark Tank-style competition. The program was first offered in Summer 2021 under the name Bear’s Den Business Plan Competition. The program was funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Because the Bear B.I.D. X program is dependent on grant funding, it will be offered only when such funding is received. If you are interested in learning more about the Bear B.I.D. X program, please contact the CESB Office at CESB@bridgew.edu.