"Getting to take an idea you've had and bring it to life as a business is truly an unique experience," said Amit Gupta '04E, who founded the club this spring.
In high school, Gupta started a small business fixing computers for teachers. At Amherst, he and his roommate created Amherst Central, which eventually evolved into the Daily Jolt. During some time away from Amherst, he not only learned more about the business world, but he also spoke at different business-related events in the five college area and in Boston.
"Entrepreneurship isn't something that gets a lot of attention at Amherst, even though there are a lot of students who have left this college and chosen that path," said Gupta. "I'm … hoping that [the club] will serve as a place for people to share their ideas, to get feedback and to meet others interested in working with them."
Megan Kahn '04 is one of the club's first members. "I think a lot of people on campus are interested in entrepreneurship. It's a great way to bring everyone altogether," she said.
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Career Center Rosalind Hoffa and Chief Advancement Officer Michael Kiefer have helped Gupta organize the club. Gupta hopes that members will work more closely with the Career Center and become "more aware of some of our amazing alumni and the resources available to those of us who want to start our own business," he said.
Club members are currently working on a project to start a campus-based business and hope to bring more speakers, including businesspeople from town. One of the group's first speakers was venture capitalist and CEO Michael Barach '80.
If there is enough interest, Gupta also plans to organize a mentorship between Amherst students and alumni who have already started their own business.