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Scott Swenson

Speaker

Scott Swenson Headshot

Venture School Primer: Recognizing Opportunities

Session Category:
Resources & Startup Foundations

Overview Problems are often opportunities in disguise. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers and the secret to
their success lies in their ability to identify problems and find solutions. Participants learn to identify problems and use their knowledge and experience to find solutions.

By the end of this session participants will be able to:
• Explain how entrepreneurs identify problems as potential opportunities.
• Explain how problem-solving abilities are a key feature of an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Describe a business that provides a simple, reliable solution to an everyday problem.
• Define the concept of opportunistic adaptation.
• Identify five fatal assumptions that can hinder an entrepreneurial endeavor.

About

Scott Swenson

Scott Swenson is a business advisor and entrepreneurial learning facilitator. He is currently involved with entrepreneurial programs with the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa. His roles include: Venture School statewide instructor, entrepreneur-in-residence and accelerator coach. Scott is the former director of the Kirkwood Small Business Development Center where he counseled thousands of small businesses, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs.