Bryan Barringer, Director of Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation, and Dr. Joseph H. Turek, Dean of the School of Business, collaborate with student in one of the new collaborations spaces at CBU.
CHRIST I A N B R OTHERS UNIVER SI T Y 800 I N I T I AT I VE PARTNER SH I P Empowers Minority Entrepreneurs
By Deborah Blanchard
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n support of the 800 Initiative, a far-reaching and intensive program to empower minority-owned businesses in Memphis, Christian Brothers University (CBU) has established a Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation within its School of Business. Working with CBU faculty, the Center will develop and deliver educational programs that address the knowledge and skill gaps of struggling small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. It also will serve as a critical nexus point within Memphis’ dynamic and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Entrepreneurs are a unique group of people who are willing to take a leap of faith to fulfill a dream,” says Bryan Barringer, director of the new Center. “Our goal is to help
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business owners reach those dreams by providing the knowledge and tools needed to create, sustain, and scale a viable business.” Barringer describes himself as “a serial entrepreneur” and brings three decades of experience in both selfrun and founded businesses to bear in his new position at CBU. “I am excited to work with current and aspiring entrepreneurs to help guide them on their journey, just as so many advisors have helped me in my own entrepreneurial career.” Joann Massey, director of the City of Memphis’ Office of Business Diversity & Compliance, noted, “Christian Brothers University’s hiring of an experienced
