Interview with Mike DiCenso of Amplify Louisville

Episode 6:  Host Jim Ray interview’s Mike DiCenso of Amplify Louisville and his focus on highlighting Louisville’s entrepreneurial opportunities.  They also discuss a job board he’s created for both college students and companies which may have internships or co-op positions available.

Mike is the Program Director for Amplify Louisville, an entrepreneurial support organization.  He moved to Louisville in 2014 while working for Pepsi.  He later joined GE Appliances.  Later, he decided to focus his energy and passion in the start-up world.

The objective is to promote job growth.  Amplify Louisville is state-funded by the Economic Development Department, via the RISE grant.  Mike and Amplify’s Executive Director, Larry Horn, focus primarily on Louisville area.  They are promoting the tech-enabled, scalable businesses. However, both Mike and Larry have broad experience in the start-up world, so even if your business doesn’t seem to be a “tech-enabled, scalable business,” they are still willing to try to help.

Other cities such as Cincinnati, Nashville and Indianapolis have flourished, while Louisville is still waiting on a catalyst.  Amplify Louisville hopes to be part of that catalyst and part of the Kentucky Innovation Group.  They are trying to bring in new investors, new ideas and other enablers to propel economic growth.

The 4 Pillars of Amplify Louisville

• Access to capital (from in-state and out-of-state sources)
• Access to customers
• Access to talent
• Access to programming

The Job Board

This resource is a new clearing house to help all of us to better understand the available start-up opportunities in Kentucky.  Companies can get listed on this board to find resources related to Amplify’s 4 pillars.  It’s also a way to understand the start-up ecosystem.  What companies are hiring?  What do those companies do?  Where can I find out more about those companies?

The resource is for companies, investors and potential employees.

To learn more about the Job Board, visit:  https://startupkyjobs.getro.com.

A Training Resource

Part of Amplify Louisville’s mission is to fill the gaps for those who may need some additional skill development.  As the program director, Mike works to create weekly programming on specific subjects.  September 2020 was Sales Week featuring professionals sharing information and knowledge via Zoom meetings.  These sessions were uploaded to a program library, and can be accessed, for free, by anyone who is interested in learning more about specific topics of interest.  It’s a great resource to support local entrepreneurs.

Opportunities for Undergrads and Graduate Students

The job board is a terrific resource for undergraduates and graduates who are looking for to start a career.  This can be used to find internships, co-ops and capstone project opportunities.  Start-ups can really use the help from students.  It’s usually a win-win.  Students may find that they are getting involved will many different areas of the business because smaller companies are less divided into operational silos.  It can be a great, immersive, learning experience.

If you’re a Bellarmine student and are interested in learning more or pursuing an existing opportunity, the Amplify Job Board is already integrated with the Bellarmine system, via Handshake. 

If you’re involved with a local start-up and you’d like to get involved with Bellarmine’s students, you can contact Amplify Louisville, or go directly to Bellarmine’s Career Center office. 

Upcoming Events via Amplify Louisville

• Bellarmine’s Digital Divide Hackathon
• Pre-Seed Financing
• Fundraising 101
• And many more

Moving Forward

Among other things, Amplify is working on a resources map to help better understand the elements and resources available to start-ups in our community.  Mike intends to continually build bridges and assets to help connect the ecosystem. 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed during the Bellarmine on Business podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Bellarmine University, its administration or the faculty at large.  The episodes are designed to be insightful, thought-provoking and entertaining.  

THE MONTHLY FORECAST:

Upcoming Events

3/16/21 – Dean’s Executive Speaker Series (virtual).  Scott Colosi, former President of Texas Roadhouse, will discuss his journey and moving up through the organization.  He’ll also provide 10 tips for recent graduates to help them succeed.  Click here to register for the event.

3/20/21 – Social Innovation Hackathon – Bridging Louisville’s Digital Divide.  Bellarmine, Louisville Metro Government and others are sponsoring this event to discuss and find solutions to some of our community’s most pressing issues.  Click here for more information.

Bellarmine Career Development Service – This service is open to both Bellarmine students and alumni.  Is it time to make a change?  Click here to contact learn how Bellarmine can help.

 

On the next Bellarmine on Business Podcast Episode

Episode 7 will launch on in April 1st, 2021.  Associate Professor Alisha Harper be joined by Eric Scott, Managing Director of Tax Services for Ernst & Young.  They’ll discuss some of the aspects of the Biden Administration’s tax proposals.  Be sure to join us for the next episode of the Bellarmine on Business Podcast.

Want to Listen to Additional Episodes?

You can find additional episodes on the Rubel School of Business Podcast page of the Bellarmine website, various Bellarmine social media pages, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Libsyn, Podchaser and many other podcast directories.  We encourage you to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Interested in Developing a Podcast for Your Business or Organization?

This podcast was produced by Jim Ray Consulting Services.  Jim Ray, host of the Bellarmine on Business podcast, can help you with the concept development, implementation, production and distribution of your own podcast.  For more information, visit:  https://jimrayconsultingservices.com/podcastproduction.