Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Keeping It Legit: Accounting, Law & QuickBooks is a practical workshop designed to help founders and small business owners understand the financial and legal basics that keep a business running smoothly—and out of trouble. Hosted by Micheal Williams, Founder of SME Accounting. 

Participants will learn how to set up and track finances, understand key legal considerations, and use QuickBooks to stay organized and informed.

This session focuses on real-world scenarios, common mistakes to avoid, and simple systems that support confident decision-making as a business grows.

Are you a TXST student entrepreneur looking for a place to sell your products on campus? Do you want to support Bobcat-owned businesses?

Join us at the Bobcat Bazaar, a pop-up marketplace dedicated to showcasing student-run businesses. Whether you’re selling or shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to:

• Connect with other entrepreneurial students
  
• Promote your brand
  
• Gain new customers
  
• Make sales
  

Reserve your spot at the LBJ Mall (between LBJ and Alkek) and be part of the TXST small business community!

Start by getting step-by-step advice from inventors and patent experts!

The Inventor’s Patent Academy is a free three module course with access to an online learning platform.

You will learn about intellectual property, the patenting process, and how to work with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Funding Without the Freak-Out: Do’s and Don’ts of Funding is a clear, confidence-building workshop designed to help founders understand when—and if—funding makes sense for their business. Hosted by Texas State Alum + CEO, Rod Keller. 

Participants will learn the different types of funding available, what investors and funders actually look for, and the common mistakes that can derail early-stage ventures.

This session focuses on smart decision-making, realistic expectations, and how to prepare for funding conversations without pressure, hype, or unnecessary stress.

Are you a TXST student entrepreneur looking for a place to sell your products on campus? Do you want to support Bobcat-owned businesses?

Join us at the Bobcat Bazaar, a pop-up marketplace dedicated to showcasing student-run businesses. Whether you’re selling or shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to:

• Connect with other entrepreneurial students
  
• Promote your brand
  
• Gain new customers
  
• Make sales
  

Reserve your spot at the LBJ Mall (between LBJ and Alkek) and be part of the TXST small business community!

Start by getting step-by-step advice from inventors and patent experts!

The Inventor’s Patent Academy is a free three module course with access to an online learning platform.

You will learn about intellectual property, the patenting process, and how to work with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The Bobcat Innovation Challenge will open with an inspiring and high‑energy Kickoff Dinner on March 10, 2026, from 6–8 PM in the McCoy Atrium. 

Attendees will connect with fellow founders, mentors, faculty, and community partners while gaining insight into what lies ahead in the competition, including a keynote address from a distinguished leader in technology and entrepreneurship. 

This kickoff event sets the tone for a transformative experience of mentorship, prototype development, and building viable, investment‑ready business models—with attendance mandatory for all participants in order to pitch on Final Pitch Day, April 11th.

Mic Drop: The Perfect Pitch is a high‑energy, hands‑on workshop designed to help founders communicate their ideas with clarity, confidence, and impact. Led by Quinn Valentine, Director of the CIE, this session equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to stand out.

Participants will learn how to structure a compelling pitch, craft a memorable story, and clearly articulate the value of their business to judges, investors, partners, and customers. The workshop emphasizes practical techniques, real‑time feedback, and confidence‑building strategies founders can immediately apply in competitions, meetings, and real‑world conversations.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there.
Immediately following the workshop, attendees are invited to put their new skills to the test in a fast‑paced Elevator Pitch Competition from 6:30–7:30 PM.
Participants will have the chance to deliver a 60‑second pitch for a shot at cash prizes:

1. $150 
   
2. $100 
   
3. $50 
   

A perfect opportunity to practice, compete, and walk away with more than just new skills.

Bank on Success: Banking, Credit, & Taxes for Startups is a practical workshop designed to help founders build strong financial foundations from the start. Led by Kelly Mattaracci, CPA and Founder/CEO of Market & Margin, this session gives participants the clarity and confidence to navigate essential financial systems with ease.

Participants will learn how to set up business banking, build and manage credit, understand basic tax responsibilities, and keep financial records that support growth and compliance. 

This session focuses on real-world financial systems and smart habits that help founders stay organized, credible, and prepared for the next stage of their business.

Are you a TXST student entrepreneur looking for a place to sell your products on campus? Do you want to support Bobcat-owned businesses?

Join us at the Bobcat Bazaar, a pop-up marketplace dedicated to showcasing student-run businesses. Whether you’re selling or shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to:

• Connect with other entrepreneurial students
  
• Promote your brand
  
• Gain new customers
  
• Make sales
  

Reserve your spot at the LBJ Mall (between LBJ and Alkek) and be part of the TXST small business community!