Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Work of Auburn University’s Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship

Auburn University is proud to host the esteemed Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship, a locus of creativity and assistance for emerging entrepreneurs. While prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos often dominate the headlines, the truth remains that the majority of successful business proprietors operate ventures with fewer than 10 personnel. In Alabama alone, there are over 156,000 of these microbusinesses, and the Lowder Center plays a pivotal role in fostering even more.

Under the guidance of entrepreneur Josh Sahib, the Lowder Center is dedicated to aiding individuals from diverse backgrounds in realizing their business aspirations. Sahib firmly maintains that anyone can become an entrepreneur, irrespective of the potential scalability of their business concept. His efforts have yielded palpable results, as evidenced by the fact that in the past two years alone, the center has offered guidance to over 211 individuals seeking to initiate or expand businesses across a spectrum of industries.

One of the center’s premier initiatives is the six-week Jumpstart East Alabama programme, which furnishes participants – a majority of whom are women and individuals of colour – with practical tutelage and counsel on aspects such as marketing, accounting, business strategy, and operations. Additionally, the center organises the Auburn Ideas Jam during the academic year, serving as a forum for students and local denizens to compete for start-up funding through an unassuming pitch competition. These endeavours form a crucial component of Auburn’s pledge to foster entrepreneurship within the community.

For those seeking to venture beyond microbusinesses, the center offers the option of transitioning to the New Venture Accelerator. This programme provides Auburn-affiliated start-ups with infrastructure, expert mentoring, and access to venture capital, thereby smoothing the path for expansion and triumph.

Josh Sahib’s individual odyssey as an entrepreneur has endowed him with the erudition and know-how to shepherd others along a similar path. Raised in straitened financial circumstances, Sahib found inspiration in his mother, who toiled tirelessly as a visually impaired single parent to operate a vending machine business. His formative experiences have equipped him with invaluable insights into the trials confronted by prospective entrepreneurs contending with challenging conditions. Driven by ardour and tenacity, Sahib is fervently committed to empowering individuals to breathe life into their business ambitions.

The Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship is an integral division of the Harbert College of Business, emblematic of Auburn University’s steadfast devotion to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. As the college commemorates the 10th anniversary of Raymond and Kathryn Harbert’s momentous naming benefaction, it continues to stand as a beacon of support for budding entrepreneurs.

To all burgeoning entrepreneurs, remember that you have the latent capacity to effect transformative change in the world through your determination, passion, and self-belief. And should you find yourself in need of assistance, the Lowder Center stands ready to facilitate the realization of your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Source: Auburn University