Business-bound students have the opportunity to network and learn about entrepreneurship and business-plan writing at the first `E-Forum’ of the year Friday.

The Entrepreneur Forum, previously scheduled for Sept. 14, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday in the Gallery Room of the Memorial Union. This free bi-monthly event, titled “Resources Available for Entrepreneurship,” will feature six speakers from across the state.

Kathy Brogden, programs and outreach administrator for the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, said faculty, staff and business owners are also invited to attend.

The event is important for individuals interested in entrepreneurship, she said, because it is a great networking tool that allows for interaction within a medium-sized group.

“A good crowd is from 35 to 50 people as a rule,” she said.

Doug Getter, executive director at the Iowa Biotechnology Association and one of the speakers, said the forums are useful for students.

“Hopefully, this will give young students a sense of opportunity,” he said.

Getter said the forum presents opportunities and motivates the prospective researchers and business owners of tomorrow.

It consists of a 20 to 30 minute presentation by a guest speaker, followed by 30 to 40 minutes of round-table discussion.

In addition to Getter, the event’s speakers include Miriam Ubben, executive director for Software and Information Technology of Iowa; Mark Laurenzo, associate director for the Center for Advanced Technology Development; Ken Kirkland, executive director for the ISU Research Foundation and director of the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer; Steve Carter, director of the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship; and Brice Nelson, Entrepreneurial Services Manager at the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

A bonus session on how to write a business plan will immediately follow the forum, Brogden said.

“Your business-plan writing can either be a tool or a hindrance,” she said.

The aim of the bonus session is to develop an individual’s business-plan writing skills in preparation for future job positions. Pre-registration is required for the bonus session.

The session is sponsored by ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship and the ISU Center for Advanced Technology Development.

To attend the session, register online at www.isupjcenter.org/BusplanRegister.html. For more information about the Entrepreneur Forum, visit the Entrepreneur Club Web site at www.isupjcenter.org.