'Solopreneurship' Series Will Let Students Explore Building Business of One

Cari Humphry

The University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will conclude its 2021 spring workshop series with Flying Solo, a unique experience designed for those interested in building businesses with a single employee: yourself!

This three-part series is for students exploring the "solopreneur" path as an artist, contractor, freelancer or consultant.

"Solopreneurship is about using your passion and making it work for you," said Elanor Jones, a graduate assistant in the Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation at the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

"Being a one-man enterprise allows you to stay close to the work and have full creative control. As the saying goes, 'if you love what you do'…," Jones said.

Jones co-created the series and will share hosting duties with Ahmad Farid Noori, a fellow Master of Business Administration student in the Walton College.

"The 'Flying Solo Series' is the first step to be inspired about going it your way and to meet like-minded people who are passionate about giving more of their talent to the world and making a difference," Noori said.

The series kicks off March 23 and runs through April 6. Students can register today on the OEI website.

Solopreneurship: Building a Business of One (March 23)
Learn how the business model canvas can be applied to freelance ventures, consultancies and sole proprietorships.

Getting Out of the Garage (March 30)
Learn about tax planning for freelancers, co-working resources and strategies for the "1099er" life.

Brand Basics (April 6)
Understand the importance marketing and brand development for attracting and retaining clients and customers.

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio and Startup Village, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.