Amid outbreak, Case Western Reserve launches free MOOC: Supporting Entrepreneurship in a Global Crisis
Builds on Beyond Silicon Valley—a free online course taken by 175,000+ students from 190 countries—and offers new content to guide and inspire entrepreneurs during challenging economic times ahead
In the wake of global economic disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship in conjunction with the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University is re-launching and updating its massive open online course (MOOC), now called Beyond Silicon Valley: Supporting Entrepreneurship in a Global Crisis.
With new, additional content that responds to the fluid and unique challenges faced by established and fledgling entrepreneurs during this unprecedented economic time, the course will address how startups can survive this developing crisis by drawing on resources from governments, universities, foundations and nonprofit organizations.
“I have already seen initial action being taken in many communities to begin to provide assistance, and I believe it’s incredibly important that we come together to share ideas,” said Michael Goldberg, executive director Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship
“Entrepreneurship is a force that transcends any economic moment—good or bad—and is practiced by people all over the world with a diverse range of backgrounds,” said Goldberg, an associate professor of design and innovation at the university’s Weatherhead School. “We’ll discuss mentoring programs, grants, university support and other opportunities unique to each community.”
Students can register for the course at case.edu/entrepreneurship/
Launching Monday, March 30, this special cohort of Beyond Silicon Valley will include weekly or twice-weekly live discussions held via Zoom, where students can engage with thought leaders on a range of topics on supporting entrepreneurs in the crisis. To preview the course, the university has prepared an introductory video for potential students.
The first live Zoom session will focus on the role of government in helping entrepreneurs. The new cohort will draw on lessons in core course videos (with subtitles available in 16 languages), assignments, discussion forums and quizzes. As the course progresses, Goldberg will host weekly sessions on topics covered in the course, with experts and entrepreneurs who can reflect on the crisis—and how the various support mechanisms can help entrepreneurs survive and eventually grow.
“In a time when most teaching and learning is being shifted online as a necessity—and as the global economy is facing new and unprecedented challenges,” said Goldberg, who often advocates for online and remote learning as a contributor for Forbes. “There’s an opportunity to gather students together, from all walks of life, to learn about entrepreneurship,”
Beyond Silicon Valley was created with generous support from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Case Western Reserve University is one of the country’s leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,100 undergraduate and 6,200 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.
