Startups were the hot topics of the day at Cal State Fullerton’s Entrepreneurship Department’s classes on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. The Center for Entrepreneurship at CSUF, headed by author and professor, John B. Jackson (known to his students, friends, and colleagues as JJ), welcomed DishClips for a day of discussion with the seniors majoring in entrepreneurship. Tan and I spent the day speaking to two of the classes and engaging the students in discussions around the process of taking an idea and forming a viable business. Sub-topics included business plans, raising capital, forming the initial team, technology and development, sales and marketing, user acquisition, and a myriad of other challenges and opportunities startups face during the first year of formation and launch.

This was truly a terrific opportunity to not only share our insights with students, but to also gain perspective from a group of inquisitive minds that were not shy to challenge us and ask some thought-provoking questions. We wish to thank each of the students for their participation and engagement, and for allowing us to pick their brains a bit as we left with some rather fresh ideas to consider as we continue to improve the DishClips site and business model.

Last, but definitely not least, we wish to acknowledge JJ (John Jackson) for first returning my call(s) which led to a meeting and ultimately to this wonderful day of learning for all.

We encourage you to follow: @NewVenturesCSUF and @johnbjackson.

Now, jump on DishClips.com and discover what you’ll be having this weekend at your favorite local restaurant!

Cheers,

Navid

The Digital Media Center in Santa Ana hosted the Youth Entrepreneur Forum last Wednesday, March 14, 2012. DishClips was proud to be a sponsors for this event. Dozens of students from Orange County colleges were invited to listen to a panel discussion moderated by SBA’s Regional Administrator, Elizabeth Echols. The panel included:

• Marciela Sandoval: RSCCD Youth Entrepreneurship Program
• Naren Sthiya: Spawnd
• Ash Kumra: DreamItAlive.com
• Chris Basirico: American Business Bank
• Steve Sjostrom: Tech Shark Investors

This forum provided an amazing opportunity for young entrepreneurial minds to network with a number of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and have their questions answered. It was an inspiring morning filled with sharing of knowledge, optimism around the current startup space, and practical advice on how to take an idea through the appropriate steps and realize the dream of entrepreneurship.

We wish to thank Mr. Gustavo Chamorro, Director of the Digital Media Center, and his entire staff for the experience. DishClips looks forward to continuing our support for similar events in the future.

Irvine, Calif. On Thursday, March 1, 2012, DishClips co-founders Tan Rezaei and Navid Firoozi were among the finalists in this year’s Irvine Entrepreneur Forum Business Plan competition, held at the Hyatt, Irvine.

The finalists were chosen from an original group of over 50 startup companies, and DishClips took the grand prize of $10K in the Digital Media category.

Tan (Rezaei) and Navid (Firoozi) made their “Shark Tank”-like presentation before a panel of judges, and when it was all said and done were announced as this year’s top startup. Churm Media CEO and OC Metro Publisher, Steve Churm made the announcement.

Tan and Navid Accepting the $10K Check at IEF 2012

DishClips wishes to thank the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and most importantly our customers and diners who have made our idea of revolutionizing the way diners discover, experience, and share food from local restaurants possible.