The Entrepreneurship Exchange is a virtual certificate program created by the William Davidson Institute and funded by a grant from the Stevens Initiative that equips undergraduate students in the United States, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt to tackle local challenges through practical, business-based solutions that drive civic engagement. The program will run across three cohorts, each ending with a pitch competition.

At the end of the full cycle, members of the top two teams from across all cohorts will be recognized with awards designed to advance their learning.

Key Modules:

• Design Thinking
• Turning Ideas into Viable Businesses
• Marketing Your Enterprise
• Financing and Funding
• Pitching to Investors

Format & Content:

• Weekly live webinars with global entrepreneurship experts
• Self-paced online learning modules
• Team-based collaboration across countries

Benefits:

• Global Networking: Connect with peers and professionals from other Michigan universities, as well as from universities in North Africa. Enhance your global perspective and build a valuable international network!
• Entrepreneurial Skills: Learn how to innovate, build and pitch your ideas.
• Communication: Improve your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, a crucial skill in today’s globalized world.
• Career Development: Receive a certificate, expand your global resume, and build your LinkedIn presence.

Award Package for Winning Teams

Top teams from each cohort receive a two-part award designed to help them grow their skills and their futures. The award consists of:

1. Personalized Career Coaching

Winning team members receive four private online coaching sessions with Victoria Hädler, an international coach with a background in entrepreneurship education and a passion for supporting young changemakers. Her approach is collaborative and rooted in guided self-discovery, helping participants navigate challenges with clarity and confidence by drawing on their own insights and potential.

With experience living and working across multiple countries, Vicky brings a strong cross-cultural perspective and a deep commitment to purpose-driven growth. Whether participants are developing a startup, exploring career paths, or figuring out what’s next, coaching is tailored to meet them where they are. Sessions begin shortly after each cohort concludes and are personalized to support individual goals and aspirations.

2. Group Mentoring

After all three cohorts are complete, winning teams will join four live sessions with Dr. Eric Fretz, a University of Michigan professor known for his energetic, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship and student development. He has helped many students turn class projects into real-world ventures, offering practical insight, encouragement, and deep experience in guiding early-stage entrepreneurs.

Whether participants continue developing their Entrepreneurship Exchange project or go in a new direction, Dr. Fretz helps them think strategically, explore opportunities, and shape what comes next. These sessions offer a chance to go deeper into ideas, get feedback, and connect with fellow members of top teams.