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The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, located in the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno's College of Business, continues to find new and innovative ways it can connect students of all majors to business entrepreneurs. Most recently, it began hosting Speed Mentorship Networking events. These events are primarily student driven and hosted in concert with the University's Entrepreneurship Club. 

"The Entrepreneurship Club wanted to make mentorship a priority and so they spearheaded the event," Colin Loretz, of the Reno Collective, said. "Entrepreneurs, whether students or out of school and in the field, need to have extensive networks in order to pull off the extraordinary feat of building a successful business. As students, meeting others who are on the same path allows you to learn from your peer group, but it's also important to find mentors who might be a few steps ahead of you who can teach from their experiences."

Loretz was one of 18 mentors who attended last month's Speed Mentorship Networking event. At the event, he reconnected with Liam Kilroy, University freshman and president of the Entrepreneurship Club. 

"These events are important because they catalyze the creation of relationships between entrepreneurs and students, which leads to increased success for students, both academically and professionally," Kilroy said.

The next Speed Networking event is set for 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 30. It will take place at The Basement, 50 S. Virginal Street, Reno. Business leaders interested in mentoring students and students interested in being mentored are encouraged to to participate.

"There is a niche group of Reno community members who are very interested in supporting students who want to start their own business," Kylie Rowe, Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship assistant director, said. "After last month's successful event, we've seen a number of partnerships form between students and mentors."