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 2024 Bear B.I.D. Competition is set for April 17, 2024. We will be live in the Library’s Heritage Room from 6 to 8 p.m. Students interested in competing need to submit applications by 11:59 PM on March 13, 2024.
See the Bear B.I.D. program site for details and the competition application form. (BSU login credentials required.)
Entrepreneur Panels
The Entrepreneur Panels connect students, faculty and staff with entrepreneurs through panel discussions with entrepreneurs who have connections to BSU.
Spring 2024 Panel
The March 26, 2024 Entrepreneur Panel featured the following panelists:
Megan Dobro, PhD, a 2007 graduate of BSU's Biology program and co-founder of SafeTiva Labs.
Kali Farwell, LHMC, a 2018 graduate of BSU's MEd Dual License Mental Health Counseling program and founder of Seashore Counseling, LLC.
Fall 2023 Panel
The November 28, 2023 Entrepreneur Panel featured the following panelists:
- Joe Lyons, a 2000 graduate of BSU's Communication Studies program and founder of Spin350.
- Laurel Ryan, a 2015 graduate of BSU's Marketing program and founder of Nautically Northern.
- Darren Stephens & Jonady St. Germain, 2018 graduates of BSU's Management and Exercise Science programs, respectively, and co-founders of LIT2LIFT.
Spring 2023 Panels
The February 23, 2023 Entrepreneur Panel featured the following panelists:
- Ashley Twigg, a 2012 graduate of BSU and founder of campfire candle co..
- Tony Schultz, a part-time faculty member at BSU and founder of Big T Productions.
- Tisha Hood, a member of the CESB Advisory Board, supporter of BSU, and founder and creativepreneur for breadcrumbscreative.
The April 11, 2023 Entrepreneur Panel featured the following panelists:
- Alex Crisman, a 2021 graduate of BSU, BSU graduate student and co-founder of The Purpose Locker Foundation.
- Kelly Duggan, a 2006 graduate of BSU and owner of Physical Therapy U.
- Noube Rateau, a 2010 graduate of BSU and founder, President and Editor of Noube Productions.
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.