The Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers individuals an opportunity to earn the Applied Entrepreneurship Certificate. Through the acquisition of this digital certificate, learners will not only develop a breadth of entrepreneurial skills that they can apply to their own unique ventures, but will also be equipped to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to established organizations. Through earning a series of five digital badges, the Applied Entrepreneurship Certificate communicates that an individual takes creative initiative, knows how to critically analyze and seek out opportunities, is resourceful, and can present ideas in compelling ways. This certificate is non credit-bearing; learners will not receive academic credit through Davidson College.

This credential is currently open to Davidson students who successfully earn the five learning badges through the activity requirements outlined and approved by the Hurt Hub.

Retroactive Approval:

In some cases, we will recognize past achievements that align with the learning outcomes if the learning activity was facilitated through the Hurt Hub or Davidson College within the past five years. All activities, both current and in the past, must be approved by the Hurt Hub.

By obtaining the Applied Entrepreneurship Certificate, learners will be able to:

1. Critically analyze situations in order to develop viable solutions and screen opportunities
2. Evaluate and develop the major components of a new business strategy 
3. Understand how to locate resources and community networks to address challenges within a business
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral presentation skills to persuade and educate on potential or existing venture opportunities
5. Evaluate the potential ethical impact of business decisions within the context of inclusion, environmental, social, and/or economic conditions

1. Review Learning Outcomes and Badge Activities on webpage
2. Meet with Assistant Director, Educational Programs to develop plan for completion and receive full requirements. Email amgascon@davidson.edu to set up an appointment.
3. Participate in approved activities to demonstrate each learning outcome has been met
4. After each requirement is complete, submit documentation through badge completion forms to receive individual badges
5. After receiving all five digital badges, you will receive the Applied Entrepreneurship digital Certificate.

Below are the required activities that must be completed in order to receive the respective digital badge. Badges do not need to be earned in order. Required steps to complete each activity and acceptable documentation of completion will be provided by the Hurt Hub.

Market Strategy Badge:

Learning Outcome: Critically analyze situations in order to develop viable solutions and screen opportunities

• Completion of Market Strategy Fundamentals Course (Begins November ’24)

Lean Startup Strategy Badge:

Learning Outcome: Evaluate and develop the major components of a new business strategy

Select an activity from the following:

• Completion of Building a Lean Startup Course (Begins September ’24)
• Completion of Building a Lean Startup edX course
• Attendance at all Nisbet Venture Fund workshops

Startup Resource Navigation Badge:

Learning Outcome: Understand how to locate resources and community networks to address challenges within a business 

Complete the following:

• Attend two live events, webinars, or mentoring sessions from organizations or individuals that provide resources for new businesses. 

Presenting and Pitching Badge

Learning Outcome: Demonstrate effective written and oral presentation skills to persuade and educate on potential or existing venture opportunities

Select one activity from the following: 

• Apply and Receive the Try it Fund 
• Apply and Interview for the Avinger Impact Fund 
• Apply and Pitch for the Nisbet Venture Fund 

Business Ethics Badge

Learning Outcome: Evaluate the potential ethical impact of business decisions within the context of inclusion, environmental, social, and/or economic conditions

• Participate in an ethics exchange discussion or roundtable