Guatemala has a rich culture of family businesses passed down through the generations. This presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to innovate within the family business. With access to more resources, freedom for experimentation, and the mentorship of experienced family members, intrapreneurship is an attractive option for those whose families own businesses.

At Acton, the classroom and the learning that happens inside it are really the most important elements of our program, and as a result, one of the first questions we ask prospective students is, “when would you be able to visit a class?” While talking through the program and its methods might be informative, there’s really no substitute for experiencing the real thing. 

The Acton blog emphasizes the critical role of finding an entrepreneurial guide as part of the entrepreneurial curriculum at Acton. It explains that engaging with experienced entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and firsthand knowledge, significantly enhancing the learning experience. The blog highlights that the student-guide relationship is a rare and precious opportunity, offering a unique chance to learn from someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of starting and growing a business. It encourages students to make the most of their time with their guides, respecting their expertise and time commitment. The piece concludes by suggesting that the guidance received from these mentors can profoundly impact one’s entrepreneurial journey, setting the foundation for future success.

In his blog, Levent Asanoski reflects on recent help sessions, highlighting the nuanced and multifaceted nature of business valuation. He asserts that valuation transcends mere calculation, blending numbers with narratives to capture a business’s true worth. Asanoski explores different valuation methods, such as comparables and discounted cash flows, stressing the importance of grounding assumptions in data and adapting to market changes. He emphasizes that effective valuation requires an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets and weaving a compelling story to convey a company’s potential. Ultimately, he underscores that valuation is an art, a continuous process that evolves with changing business landscapes.

This blog post features three Acton alumni discussing their careers in technology and the impact of their Acton education. Ben Allen, Bharath Sundararaman, and Nelson Chau share their motivations for choosing Acton, the challenges they faced, and the valuable lessons they learned. They emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs, managing time and energy, and applying practical business skills. They also offer advice for students interested in technology careers, such as choosing a growing industry, engaging with professional coaches, and valuing both engineering and sales skills.

This blog post features Acton alumnus Nate Little, Cofounder of SchoolAdmin, a software start-up for school admissions and enrollment. Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, a lesson from Acton, and how his team immersed themselves in the world of school administrators. They built the company around customer feedback, creating the Customer Echo Chamber, where weekly meetings and continuous engagement ensure the product evolves to meet user needs. Nate credits Acton for teaching him to prioritize customer experience, which has been central to SchoolAdmin’s success.