This event will be held at CSUMB Business and Information Technology Building in Room 113. Refreshments will be provided.

Join us for an enlightening afternoon with Robert Fairlie, PhD (Stanford ’87) as he delves into the insights from his latest book, The Promise and Peril of Entrepreneurship. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, Fairlie’s narrative unfolds with compelling tales of writing amidst the serene outdoors of Santa Cruz and even testifying before Congress from the confines of his laundry room. Drawing from years of meticulous analysis of Census data, Fairlie dispels prevalent myths surrounding US startups, their resilience, and their role in job creation.

But fear not, for Fairlie’s discourse isn’t one of despair; it’s a celebration of entrepreneurship’s vitality in our economy. Through his rigorous examination, he untangles the nuances of various startup types and illuminates common pitfalls. This invaluable knowledge isn’t just for entrepreneurs and educators; it extends to policymakers as well. Fairlie’s insights have been instrumental in shaping critical decisions, with the economic teams of both the President and Vice President turning to him as the foremost authority on tracking inequality in the pandemic’s impact on small businesses.

His research isn’t merely academic—it’s practical. It has directly influenced legislative action, including a significant Senate bill and the implementation of the $800 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program. Join us as we delve into the profound implications of Fairlie’s findings, essential for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial landscape or shaping policies for economic recovery.

Parking: $5.00 passes available at the kiosk or in advance HERE (printer required)

Special thanks to our event sponsors, BlueTech Valley Innovation Cluster, The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED), CSUMB College of Business, White Summers, Wells Fargo,