Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

Building networks 🤝 Building businesses

“Don’t listen to the naysayers.” That’s the advice Van Stanley of @peopleschoicekitchen has for aspiring entrepreneurs. With over twenty years of experience as a restaurateur, Van knows that success comes from commitment, passion, and perseverance. Even after decades in business, she’s still hungry to grow. 🔥 What keeps you on your success track when naysayers come calling? Share it in the comments. ⬇️ #EntrepreneurMindset #KeepGoing #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #BusinessEducation #BusinessAdvice #golisanoinstitute

Van Stanley’s People's Choice Kitchen is unlike any other restaurant: Customers are invited to pay what they can. Sometimes it's less than the price on the menu, sometimes it’s more and they pay it forward. A 2022 News 8 Remarkable Woman of Rochester, Stanley is a social entrepreneur whose commitment to community goes even further than how her business works. She organizes the Angel Tree Giveaway, an annual event that gives toys to kids while bridging gaps between the community and law enforcement. She has also run a bike drive that saw over 300 bicycles go to kids who need them. In fact, her passion for giving back won her the nickname "Vanta Claus." Located at 575 Brooks Avenue in Rochester’s 19th Ward, People's Choice Kitchen serves classic Jamaican dishes—like jerk chicken, collard greens, oxtail soup, and much more—made only from fresh ingredients daily. We recently welcomed Stanley to the institute. She led an inspirational talk about how her journey in life has helped her in balancing a successful business with giving back. Some advice Stanley shared with students: ✅ Put community first: "I've never given up on the community and the community never gave up on me." ✅ Define your culture: "My culture is reaching out into the community. You've got to be able to come together and help each other." ✅ Don't go it alone: "You should help everyone that's interested in business, not keep your secrets to yourself."  ✅ Build customer loyalty: "It's imperative to have great reviews—it's make or break." ✅ Go for it: "Pursue your dreams. It's hard, but rewarding." ✅ There are no do-overs: "You don't have a second chance to make a good impression in business." Stanley was a guest speaker for Speaking from Experience, an offering at Golisano Institute that gives students the opportunity to hear from and interact with some of the sharpest minds in business today. #womenshistorymonth #mondaymotivation #socialentrepreneurship #businesseducation #businessadvice #golisanoinstitute

Recently, a group of our students visited the offices of LeChase Construction to gain some real-world exposure and hear directly from successful intrapreneurs on how they built their careers. At Golisano Institute, career development is built directly into our curriculum so that students are constantly learning from, and networking with, employers in a variety of industries.   #golisanoinstitute #businesseducation

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the rising leaders right here at Golisano Institute who are building their legacy. From entrepreneurs launching their own ventures to innovative thinkers shaping the future of business, women continue to redefine what’s possible. We’re proud to support and empower the next generation of women business leaders through education, mentorship, and opportunity. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInBusiness #GolisanoInstitute #FutureLeaders

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings, spoke to our students about the power of mentorship and the importance of a strong support system while on your career journey. #mentorship #businesseducation #golisanoinstitute

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the rising leaders right here at Golisano Institute who are building their legacy.   From entrepreneurs launching their own ventures to innovative thinkers shaping the future of business, women continue to redefine what’s possible. We’re proud to support and empower the next generation of women business leaders through education, mentorship, and opportunity. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInBusiness #GolisanoInstitute #FutureLeaders

With the arrival of Cohort 4 and the return of our current students, our community continues to grow, strengthened by diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and a shared ambition to shape the future of business. We’re proud to foster an environment where students, faculty, and business leaders come together—not only to learn, but to build relationships that will extend well beyond the classroom. #golisanoinstitute #businesseducation

There’s incredible untapped talent in our workforce — and when education and opportunity align, amazing things happen for individuals, businesses, and our entire community. In his op-ed for the Rochester Business Journal, Golisano Institute President Ian Mortimer shares how we can help people find careers that fully match their skills, passions, and potential.    #golisanoinstitute #businesseducation Read more: https://lnkd.in/gx6Knypx

Are you a senior leader ready to bring the power of AI to your business? Join Graham Anthony, AVP for Education Technologies and Innovation, on March 27th and April 3rd for an exclusive two-part intensive designed to transform your understanding of AI technology and spark innovation in your industry! Register now: https://lnkd.in/gAxYbaYY