Ivy Tech Hosts Entrepreneurial Workshop with Local Business Leaders

Ivy Tech Community College’s Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation recently collaborated with prominent Indianapolis organizations to offer student entrepreneurs a unique hands-on learning experience. Through the support of partners such as PATTERN, the STUTZ Center, and KLF Legal, students gained direct exposure to industry insights and strategies for success.

The event, hosted at the historic STUTZ Center, brought together Ivy Tech students and leaders from across the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of major Indianapolis events, including the Butter Art Festival, and explore co-working spaces like Industrious. The day’s activities highlighted the importance of creativity, collaboration, and brand protection for those looking to build their own businesses.

"We have a thriving entrepreneurial community in Indianapolis," said Steve Thrash, program chair and assistant professor of Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech. "When organizations like PATTERN and the STUTZ Center, along with experts like attorney Kenan Farrell, step up and share their knowledge and resources, we begin to see the true potential of what our students can achieve. The firsthand experiences offered to our student entrepreneurs through this event were invaluable."

One of the key moments of the day came during a discussion led by Kenan Farrell, an attorney at KLF Legal, who shared critical advice on brand protection. "If you don't protect your brand, that can hurt you in court," said Farrell, emphasizing the importance of taking the necessary legal steps to secure a brand’s identity in the marketplace.

5 Steps to Protecting Your Brand

1. Trademark Registration – Officially register your business name, logo, and other unique identifiers to secure legal protection.
2. Vigilant Monitoring – Regularly check for unauthorized use of your brand to safeguard your assets.
3. Secure Digital Presence – Claim and protect your domain and social media handles to maintain control over your brand online.
4. Establish Brand Guidelines – Develop and distribute clear usage guidelines to protect the integrity of your brand’s image and content.
5. Enforce Your Rights – Take swift legal action when infringements occur, whether through cease-and-desist orders or court proceedings.

This collaboration underscores Ivy Tech’s commitment to fostering the growth of its student entrepreneurs by providing them with real-world insights and industry connections. Through partnerships with leading Indianapolis organizations, Ivy Tech is equipping the next generation of business leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our partners who have contributed to this experience and look forward to continuing these efforts to help our students thrive,” Thrash added.

Ivy Tech Community College and the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship remain dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education, with the goal of creating a robust ecosystem that supports the growth and success of students as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

For more information about Ivy Tech’s entrepreneurship programs and upcoming events, Ivy Tech Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.