Business Major Attends “Boot Camp” To Learn More About Business Ownership

Business Administration major Nadine Davila spent much of last semester in boot camp - the Capital Region Chamber’s intensive Entrepreneur Boot Camp. Through the College’s BUS 252: Business Plan Development course, students are able to join the Boot Camp, an award-winning 60-hour intensive training program that guides would-be entrepreneurs and existing businesses through the step-by-step process of starting, operating, and managing a business.

The Boot Camp culminates with the announcement of three top winners in a business plan competition, and out of 21 entrepreneurs in the course, Nadine earned a third-place award for her business plan for Blissful Events by Nadine LLC. She won one paid course at the College and two paid courses at MicroKnowledge software training institute in Albany.

In addition to going to school, you also operate your own business. Tell us about it.  

"I actually got started with this as a hobby during a really difficult period in my life. At the time, I was looking for something to help me reconnect with myself and find some stability. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much more meaningful. It helped me regain focus, build confidence, and eventually grow into a real passion that I’ve continued to develop ever since.

So I started my own small business for event décor for corporate events, parties, and other gatherings. I’ve had my business for three years, but Professor Farron told us about the Boot Camp in our Principles of Management course and I thought it would be very beneficial for me as a small business owner.”

What were the top three things that you learned during Boot Camp?

1. “The importance of branding: Having a brand and really using that as a driving force.
2. Market analysis: Diving into your market and looking at your competitors, seeing if there is a need for your business in your area.
3. Funding: Researching grants, leveraging credit, and working with banks.

And, of course, creating my business plan was helpful. It’s 35 pages long and reflects a lot of intensive research and market analysis. The Boot Camp was incredibly valuable, each session pushed me to think strategically and refine my ideas in ways I hadn’t considered before. Each week we learned a different skill set. We met with bankers, lawyers, and mentors and learned about partnerships through New York state.”

What would you say to a student thinking about taking the Business Plan Development course?

“Go for it. If you’re looking to really challenge yourself and have an idea you’d like to turn into a business, this is absolutely the course for you. It’s a fantastic starting point. It guides you, shapes your vision, and provides the resources, mentorship, and networking you need to succeed. I made so many valuable connections with other participants. We supported each other throughout the process and still stay in touch even after the course has ended. Overall, it was a truly transformative and rewarding experience.”

Business Professor Matthew Farron added, “What I love most about this course is seeing students discover what they’re capable of. Whether or not they go on to start a business, they walk away with a clearer sense of how to plan, problem-solve, and think like entrepreneurs. The partnership with the Capital Region Chamber gives them access to incredible mentors and resources that really bring those lessons to life.” 

The Business Plan Development course, in partnership with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, will be offered again during the Spring 2026 Semester. Information on how to enroll.