Michael Moriarty
Henry Mitchell Scholarship Entrepreneurs Without Borders
I had the privilege of participating in an enriching program, Entrepreneurs Without Borders, organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri. The program is aimed to expand my knowledge and skills in global entrepreneurship and provides a unique opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial landscape in Cape Town, South Africa. This report summarizes my experiences and insights gained during this journey.
The program, spanning two weeks, was designed to provide a holistic understanding of global entrepreneurship by visiting Cape Town, one of Africa's thriving entrepreneurial hubs. The itinerary included a mix of workshops, facility tours, and networking events with local entrepreneurs.
A key part of my learning on this trip was the insight I gained through conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners from a various array of business industry backgrounds. One of these entrepreneurs specialized and built his business up on revolutionizing 3D print manufacturing. Having the opportunity to meet on a personal level with a young entrepreneur who is taking on big projects on a global scale gave me the opportunity not only to pick his brain over the various challenges young entrepreneurs face early on but also instilled in me a set of information and confidence I could take with me and apply to my own business following the conclusion of the trip.
From touring different business incubators throughout the city of Cape Town to meeting people eager to grow their brands and businesses alike, I was able to develop a whole new outlook on entrepreneurship from a perspective across the globe from home.
In anticipation of sending future students to exchange between the University of Missouri and the University of the Western Cape, I would suggest that if a faculty member were to accompany the students, this faculty member fits the role of facilitator rather than overseer of the students. Over our trip to Cape Town, having met and spent time with Professor Marvin Carolina from UMKC, we felt that Marvin took on the role of facilitator and really added an extra learning value to the trip experience, providing both Nez and me a wealth of knowledge and guidance for us both in our personal entrepreneurial endeavors as well as our professional growth.
I strongly believe in the value of learning outside the classroom and am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so halfway across the globe on this trip to Cape Town, South Africa, generously funded by the Henry Mitchel Scholarship, the International Center, and the College of Business.
Reviewed 2025-11-06