INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Nearly 10 years ago, three Hoosier entrepreneurs looked around at their peer group, noticed they comprised most of it, and decided to do something about it. Their creation, the Robert D. Orr Entrepreneurial Fellowship, has graduated 57 young leaders since 2001, most of them still in Indiana as either company founders or leaders at some of the most progressive technology companies in the state.
Thirty-five fellows are currently working through the two-year program. On Friday, they and fellowship leaders will interview 39 students who are vying for 25 open spots for the 2011 fellowship class.
“It’s more grueling than anything “Survivor” has handed out, and the winners, in the long-run, end up with a better prize package,” says Scott Brenton, one of the fellowship’s founders and Chief Operating Officer at Angie’s List. “We’re thrilled to have helped some exceptionally bright young students develop into business leaders. If we don’t stay sharp ourselves, we’ll all be working for them one day.”
Max Yoder, a current Orr fellow, agreed the selection process is harrowing and admits there were times when he wondered if the grilling he got would be worth it.
“The Orr Fellowship has done nothing but deliver for me,” Yoder said. “I’ve been with Compendium for a year now and I’m juggling responsibilities that none of my peer group, outside the fellowship, have been given. It can be overwhelming at times, but it's exactly what I asked for, so no complaints.”
Reporters are encouraged to attend Finalist Day to watch the process and talk with more than 30 local entrepreneurs, who will decide who makes the final cut.
The Fountains
502 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, Indiana, 46032
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The competitors were selected from hundreds of applicants from around the state. Those selected for the new fellowship class will earn a full-time, salaried position at one of 20 high-growth, entrepreneurial companies where they will work side-by-side with senior-level leaders and will learn the skills necessary to make their own leap into the business world. Those chosen to take on the two-year stint as an Orr Fellow will also experience fellow development workshops, close interaction with like-minded graduates from around the state and monthly meetings with Indiana’s distinguished business and political leaders.
Host companies for the 2011 Orr Fellowship are:
Apparatus
Aprimo
Bidpal
BioConvergence
Bluefish Wireless
Bluelock
Brightpoint
Compendium
Fifth Gear
FinishMaster
iGoDigital
Interactive Intelligence
One Click Ventures
RICS Software
Scale Computing
Slane Capital
Slingshot SEO
T2 Systems
WebLink International
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The Orr Entrepreneurial Fellowship serves as an applied training vehicle for the State’s future entrepreneurs and organizational leaders. The Fellowship offers top college graduates a challenging position with strong entrepreneurial companies across the state for a two-year fellowship. Through interaction with senior leadership at sponsoring companies and monthly meetings with Indiana’s distinguished business and political leaders, the Orr Fellowship aims to prepare Fellows for successful careers, ultimately aiding in the development of Indiana’s economy. Visit our website at www.orrfellowship.org or follow our blog at http://blog.orrfellowship.org.