Navigating a startup is difficult without guidance from seasoned professionals, which is what makes the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)  Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIRs) crucial to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). These EIRs volunteer their time and expertise to help young businesses thrive. 

Five EIRs have been helping 30 young entrepreneurs throughout the Summer Accelerator, an intensive 12-week program that provides Cal Poly students and recent graduates with the resources necessary to turn their innovative ideas into full-fledged startups. 

Lori Jordan has over 20 years of experience helping startups and large organizations with go-to-market strategies and product launches. Since starting her mentorship journey in 2012, Jordan became the CIE’s Director of Student Innovation Programs in 2015, where she ran the program, including the Accelerator, until 2018. She continues to mentor teams for both Innovation Quest (iQ) and the Summer Accelerator. 

Barry Lieberman brings over 40 years of experience, specializing in customer and market development, business formation and business growth. Since becoming an EIR in 2020, Lieberman has helped Accelerator teams navigate the complexities of building and scaling their businesses. His expertise ensures that startups are equipped to thrive in competitive markets. He also teaches entrepreneurship classes at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business.

Jim Elliston, with over 20 years of experience, assists Accelerator teams with branding, design and product development. Since 2016, Elliston has leveraged his extensive background in product design and entrepreneurship, helping startups bring products from conception to market. His passion for crafting beautiful experiences and leading teams to build exceptional products has made him an invaluable EIR. 

Dan Weeks has over 32 years of experience, particularly in Software as a Service (SaaS) and software development. Having mentored since 2013, Weeks has worked with over 100 businesses and early-stage companies. With seven years of SaaS experience and 25 years at HP, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and helps startups develop robust software solutions and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.  

Jim Finwick has dedicated over 30 years to customer, business model and pitch development. Finwick has mentored since 2015 and combines his leadership coaching experience with a passion for helping people realize their full potential. He has worked with top leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners and uses that experience to help Accelerator teams focus on storytelling, connecting with the voice of their customer.

These individuals are more than just mentors, and the eight startups in the Accelerator would not be where they are without their Friday morning pitch feedback sessions or private one-on-ones. The CIE is deeply grateful for each and every one of our EIRs. 

About the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

The CIE opens a world of entrepreneurial opportunity to Cal Poly students, faculty and community members and promotes entrepreneurial activity and dialogue across the university and throughout San Luis Obispo County. For more information, visit cie.calpoly.edu.  

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