Catholic Social Impact (CST) Impact Competition

The CST Impact Competition mobilizes student teams from the University of Notre Dame to create practical solutions for migrants. These solutions aim to improve migrants’ access to dignified work by addressing training, certification, and employment integration issues, in collaboration with nonprofits dedicated to migrant services.

Significance of the Migration Theme

The migration theme is both timely and urgent, offering a platform to develop innovative solutions that help migrants overcome common barriers to employment in their host countries. This theme not only aligns with global priorities but also resonates with local community needs, making it highly relevant for our audience and stakeholders.

Demo Day

Final presentation and Award Ceremony ($20k cash prizes) during IDEA Week.

AI 101: Practical Tools & Tactics for Small Business Success

Join Logan Herzog, a seasoned startup growth expert and Chief Innovation Officer at RISE, for an action-packed session on leveraging AI to accelerate small business success. Logan has helped launch startups worldwide, working with YC, 500, and Techstars founders, and now focuses on democratizing access to cutting-edge technology for entrepreneurs.
In this session, you’ll learn:
✅ How to use AI to get to revenue faster
✅ The essential AI tools Logan uses daily
✅ Actionable strategies to do more with limited resources
✅ The mindset shifts needed to integrate AI effectively
Designed for founders, small business owners, and startup teams, this workshop will break down AI’s role in growth and operations—helping you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, you’ll walk away with practical AI insights you can implement immediately.

Discover the crucial steps to achieving sustainable product/market fit in this intensive workshop designed for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to identify and validate your target market, gather meaningful customer feedback, and iterate your product strategy effectively. We’ll explore proven methodologies for evaluating product/market fit, understanding customer pain points, and evaluating market scalability potential. By the end of this session, you’ll have practical frameworks to assess whether your current market approach is scalable, tools to identify new market opportunities, and actionable strategies to pivot or expand your product offering based on market demands.

Discover the frameworks that can drive your company to peak performance. This session provides an overview of popular company operating systems, including the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Lean Six Sigma, and other methodologies. Learn how these systems differ, the unique benefits they offer, and how to select the right one for your business goals. Whether you’re scaling, optimizing operations, or fostering innovation, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed choice. Perfect for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and operations teams.

Join attorneys, Ryan Truesdale, Paul Raya, and Damyan Kolomayets, from Cook Alex Ltd. for complimentary office hours at IDEA Week 2025, where we’ll answer your pressing questions about patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property protection.

This informal Q&A format allows you to bring your specific questions and concerns about protecting your intellectual assets. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to safeguard your innovations or a creator seeking to understand your rights, take advantage of this opportunity to get practical insights from an experienced IP professional.

Sign up outside Classroom A!

*Please note that conversations during office hours are informational only and do not establish an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice.

Join APEX for an insightful workshop on navigating the world of government contracting. This session will demystify the process of working with federal, state, and local governments, providing practical tools and strategies to identify opportunities, prepare proposals, and secure contracts. Whether you’re a startup, small business, or established company, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to access lucrative government markets. Learn from experts, gain insider tips, and discover how to leverage APEX services to position your business for success. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential in the public sector!

Master the art of peak productivity and strategic time management in this dynamic workshop designed for busy professionals seeking to maximize their impact. Through practical exercises and proven techniques, you’ll learn how to prioritize tasks effectively, eliminate time-wasting activities, and create sustainable systems that align with your most important goals. Discover powerful strategies for handling interruptions, managing energy levels throughout the day, and making high-stakes decisions about where to invest your time. You’ll leave equipped with actionable tools to reduce stress, increase focus, and achieve more meaningful results by working smarter, not harder, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Great teams don’t just happen—they’re built. In today’s competitive talent market, finding and keeping the right people is critical to your organization’s success. This workshop will equip leaders with proven strategies to attract top talent, foster a positive workplace culture, and retain high-performing employees. From hiring best practices to creating opportunities for growth and development, you’ll learn actionable leadership techniques to build a team that thrives. Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this session will empower you with the tools to lead with confidence and create a team that stands the test of time.

AI 201: Customizing AI to Solve Your Biggest Business Challenges
Ready to go beyond the basics? In AI 102, Logan Herzog—startup growth expert and Chief Innovation Officer at RISE—will take you deeper into advanced AI applications that can help you streamline operations, generate ideas, and even build your own AI-powered tools.
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to:
• Turn voice into action with AI-powered voice-to-text and conversational brainstorming tools.
• Automate entire workflows using AI to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for high-value work.
• Build AI-powered web apps—no coding required.
This session is for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators who want to customize AI to solve their most frustrating business problems. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, enhance customer interactions, or develop AI-driven products, this workshop will give you the tools and strategies to make AI work for you.

Transform your digital marketing expertise and personal brand impact in this hands-on workshop exploring the power of modern advertising strategies. Dive deep into the art of crafting a brand identity that mirrors your genuine values and unique expression. Learn to leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Google Ads effectively, understand analytics to make data-driven decisions, and develop a cohesive personal branding strategy that sets you apart in today’s competitive digital landscape. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you’ll discover how to align your personal brand with your marketing goals while creating authentic, engaging content that drives meaningful connections and conversions.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION 

If “sales” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: if you’re a founder, you’re in sales. This workshop will show you how to approach GTM in a way that feels natural, builds momentum, and actually works—no tactics required.

We’ll cut through the noise and focus on real, actionable strategies to:

● Identify and target the right customers (without wasting time on the wrong ones)

● Build a repeatable, scalable sales process that grows with your business

● Close deals faster by focusing on what actually moves the needle

● Avoid common GTM pitfalls that leave too many startups stuck in limbo

Sign up outside Classroom E to book a focused consultation with government contracting expert Caroline Storms to discuss your specific questions and challenges in the federal marketplace. During these personalized sessions, get tailored guidance on navigating procurement processes, understanding compliance requirements, identifying contract opportunities, and developing winning strategies for your business. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to expand your federal presence, leverage Caroline’s expertise to accelerate your success in the public sector market.

Schedule a one-on-one session with Brandon Noll to discuss your startup.

Every successful business has a story—what’s yours? In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and drive action. Whether you’re pitching to investors, engaging customers, or rallying your team, the ability to craft a compelling narrative is a game-changer.

Led by a storytelling expert, this session will cover:

How to identify and articulate your “why.”

Proven frameworks to structure your business story for maximum impact.

Strategies to tailor your story to different audiences.

Tips to incorporate emotion, authenticity, and data for a lasting impression.

You’ll leave with actionable tools and a polished business story that resonates and drives results. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or leader, this workshop will help you transform facts into stories that move people to believe in your vision.

Who Should Attend:

Entrepreneurs, startups, business leaders, and anyone looking to amplify their message and make a meaningful impact.

Takeaway:

Master the art of storytelling and turn your business ideas into narratives that captivate, inspire, and sell.

Ready to write your next chapter? Join us at IDEA Week and let your story shine.

There are hundreds of companies in the South Bend Elkhart region with retirement-ready owner/operators who do not have a son or daughter interested in taking over their business. How do we preserve the legacy of these companies in our community and set them up to drive a new wave of local economic vibrancy?

During this panel, you’ll hear from the managing partner at [Sleeping Giant Capital](https://www.sleepinggiantcapital.com/) about their approach to supporting successful small business ownership transitions and success stories from their work in Western Michigan. You’ll also have a chance to learn from two CEOs in Residence at Sleeping Giant Capital about their journeys from professionals to operators, and get their perspective on why Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) was the right path for them.

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Nick Berente, Senior Associate Dean at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. In this role, Nick leads the ND-US Competes Initiative at Notre Dame, which explores how Notre Dame graduate students can participate in regional small business diversification and entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) efforts, with a focus on strategic U.S. competitiveness and aligned with Notre Dame’s Mission.

As cities and regions evolve, the creative economy often finds itself at odds with affordability, policy, and the free market. How can public policy get ahead of the success curve to ensure that artists, cultural institutions, and creative spaces aren’t priced out? This session will explore strategies for integrating arts and culture into citywide economic planning, ensuring that creative professionals can professionalize and thrive in main corridors.
Led by Catlin Whitington, current Executive Director of ArtPrize, and an expert in urban planning, cultural economics, and public-private partnerships, this discussion will tackle the importance of advocacy, policy, and leadership alignment to support sustainable cultural ecosystems. Key topics include:
– Expedited permitting for cultural spaces
– Incentivizing developers to preserve and integrate cultural hubs
– The role of organizing and advocacy in cultural sustainability
– Lessons from successful models like Bentonville’s world-class arts institutions
– How AI’s evolution strengthens the need for artists and creative thought leaders
Polina Osherov will facilitate the conversation, offering insights from economic perspectives and supporting artistic entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an artist, curious resident, policymaker, or economic developer, this session will provide actionable strategies for ensuring arts and culture are valued as key drivers of economic growth and talent attraction.

Failure is often seen as the end, but for successful entrepreneurs, it’s just the beginning. In this inspiring panel, hear from leaders who have faced setbacks, stumbled in their entrepreneurial journeys, and emerged stronger than ever. They’ll share candid stories of their failures, the lessons they learned, and how those experiences shaped their paths to success. Gain valuable insights on resilience, adaptability, and the power of perseverance. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or simply seeking inspiration, this panel will remind you that failure isn’t final—it’s fuel for your next big breakthrough.

Are you an ambitious entrepreneur who is passionate about your work but feeling the early signs of exhaustion? This workshop is your strategic reset button.

Recognizing the early whispers of burnout

Self-awareness techniques to maintain your emotional equilibrium

Stress management strategies for high-achieving individuals

Sustaining creativity without depleting your emotional and psychological resources

Interpersonal relationship skills that provide a buffer and protect your energy

This isn’t another generic wellness lecture. This is a targeted, research-based session designed for driven innovators who want to excel without sacrificing their mental health. You’ll walk away with a toolkit for maintaining your passion, protecting your potential, and creating sustainable high performance. Your future self will thank you.

Step into the world of innovation, collaboration, and open source with Scott Chacon, co-founder of GitHub, the platform that revolutionized how developers work together. In this engaging session, Scott will share his journey from startup challenges to building a global community that powers modern software development. Hear his insights on scaling ideas, fostering innovation, and the future of technology. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a developer, or simply curious about the story behind GitHub, this conversation will inspire you to think big, collaborate fearlessly, and code your way to success.

Entrepreneurship is often celebrated for its hustle and ambition, but what about the toll it takes on mental health? Join Max Yoder, founder of Lessonly, for an honest and empowering keynote on the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his personal journey, Max will share lessons on navigating the pressures of building a business, finding balance amidst chaos, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and empathy. This keynote will inspire entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being, support their teams, and redefine success beyond the bottom line. It’s a must-attend for anyone seeking to build with both passion and purpose.

• Navigating the evolving creator economy and standing out in a crowded space

• Authentic storytelling and the power of representation in media

• Monetization strategies—turning creativity into a sustainable career

• The challenges and opportunities of building an engaged, inclusive audience

Fewer than 1% of all businesses last over 100 years – how do they do it? Join as we ask our panel of leaders of local 100-year-old companies: What does it take for a business to survive a century? Our guests will share stories of critical decisions, responses to historic events, and the parts of a business that persist across time. We will also discuss what it means to a community to have businesses that last so long, and what it means for these businesses to be part of a community for generations.

Come find out what 100-year ambitions look like and how the next generation of centennial companies can be built.

Lebermuth, Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI), Elkhart Brass

An engaging session on how to deepen your faith in the modern world using Hallow, the #1 Catholic meditation and prayer app. This session will explore the role of technology in nurturing spiritual growth, providing tools for daily prayer, meditation, and connecting with the divine in the hustle of digital life. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to enrich your spiritual journey, discover how Hallow’s resources can support and strengthen your relationship with God in the digital age.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ashley Flowers, the dynamic entrepreneur and creator of Crime Junkie podcast. In this moderated discussion, Ashley will share her remarkable journey from a marketing professional to building a multi-million dollar podcast empire. Learn how she transformed her passion for storytelling into Audiochuck, a groundbreaking podcast network that has revolutionized digital media. Ashley will discuss the challenges and triumphs of scaling a media startup, building a dedicated community of listeners, and expanding into book publishing and production. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, content creator, or podcast enthusiast, you’ll gain valuable insights about innovation, brand building, and the future of digital storytelling. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of media’s most successful entrepreneurs about turning a side hustle into a global phenomenon.