At the California Entrepreneurship Educators Conference 2023, held at San Diego State University’s Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, Dr Wade Halvorson presented an insightful session on Deakin University’s innovative Business Development Clinic (BDC). This annual conference is a premier event, bringing together educators and industry leaders to share and explore the latest in entrepreneurship education.

Halvorson’s interactive presentation emphasized the experiential learning pedagogy deployed in the BDC. Student groups each work with an entrepreneur, mentored by experienced faculty, and apply theoretical knowledge in an industry setting. Each client receives a comprehensive seven-part strategic plan aimed at growing their business profits. Unlike traditional academic programs that rely on pre-purchased case studies, the BDC generates new, small-business-focused case studies each semester, offering varied business challenges for students.

Attendees at the conference, which featured numerous sessions on innovative teaching methodologies and practical applications in entrepreneurship, received a detailed teaching guide on implementing the 7 Levers Framework in their own institutions. The conference showcased how the BDC’s unique approach significantly impacts both students and SMEs, providing a model for integrating theoretical learning with real-world application. And delivering each student an industry experience they can reference in their future job search.