Registration is now open for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop for Health Professionals being held at the Ohio Union on The Ohio State University campus, Sept. 22 and 23. This is the second workshop for entrepreneurs hosted by the Ohio State College of Nursing’s Academy for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (AcCELL).
The two-day workshop provides an overview of important business fundamentals for anyone with an interest in starting a business, be it clinically-based or otherwise. Sessions include developing a business plan, pitching your ideas, raising capital and creating a marketing strategy, as well as practical methods for guarding patient data and complying with HIPPA regulations.
“This is a dynamic time in the delivery of healthcare, and innovative leaders will guide changes to benefit patients and other healthcare providers,” said Tim Raderstorf, MSN, RN, chief innovation officer at the College of Nursing. “We want to provide educational experiences that give nurses and other healthcare providers the confidence and tools to decide if starting their own business is the right choice for them.”
Raderstorf reports that at least four innovative companies have been directly influenced by leaders who participated in the inaugural Innovation Workshop held in 2015. Jen O’Brien, CNP, opened a unique internal medicine practice that provides personalized care in a spa-like setting.
“The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop was a fantastic learning and preparation opportunity for me,” said O’Brien. “The workshop enabled me to solidify my vision and work out the mechanics of my start-up.”
Two nursing students have developed a line of comfortable clothing and accessories for nurses called NursSwag, and provide a 10 percent give-back to charity. Two other participants now offer different types of business coaching. Amelia Roberts, BSN, RN, is now a successful social media coach, assisting small businesses with brand awareness.
Joyce Dillon, RN, MN, BCC, is a consultant and facilitator, who works with practitioners and entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry to help them gain clarity for their business ventures.
“I think attending the entrepreneurial workshop helped me to refocus and rebrand my business and identify the niche of health and wellness,” said Dillon. “It jump-started my research in developing a holistic, sustainable model … and was very helpful in launching my business.”
