From an early age, St. Francis High School student Peter Calabrese Smith wanted to be an entrepreneur. He had watched his parents operate successful businesses and saw firsthand the benefits of hard work. Coupled with his desire to make his mark on the world, Peter signed up to participate in the MICE Entrepreneurial Training Program.

Every Saturday for the past 20 weeks, Peter has travelled 40 minutes each way to attend the program. He now has MICE to thank for showing him how to start and operate a successful business.

“The MICE Entrepreneurial Training Program has showed me the steps to becoming an entrepreneur. I know that I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, but I needed training to translate my energy into a workable business model” said Peter Calabrese Smith. "Thanks to the program, I now know how to approach investors and to write a business plan."

To illustrate the success of the program, Calabrese Smith has put his new training into action by creating his own E-Bay Musical Instrument Business. In fact, he is on his way to opening an E-Bay Store. Calabrese Smith has found a unique market niche--selling instruments and mouthpieces to folks throughout the country. While he is currently pulling in anywhere from $50-$500 per month, he knows that his business is ripe for expansion.

"I am completing a business plan and have great plans to grow my business," said Calabrese Smith.

MICE is holding the graduation for its third session of its popular business program for Juniors and Seniors from school districts across Western New York. Students from urban, suburban, and rural districts spend Saturday mornings learning extensive business lessons, including ethical entrepreneurship training.

MICE was created by Mr. Laszlo (Les) Meszaros in a partnership with the School of Management of the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mr. Meszaros, chairman of the foundation, owned and operated several successful local high-tech companies, and served as Vice-President of Business Development with Intel Corp. The program was developed by Professor Joseph Salamone, a thirty year veteran with UB and now partner in the MICE foundation. Professor Salamone co-authored the program’s text: "Entrepreneurship: Foundations".

Students attend MICE’s ETP classes at Jacobs Hall at U.B.’s North Campus. Typically, 40-50 students from across the area participate every Saturday from March-October. Students are asked for a minimal monetary payment to cover tuition and class costs, but no child is ever turned away because of financial hardship.

The MICE Entrepreneurial Training Program has been organized and run by business professionals who know the need of educating young people with the goal of keeping them and their expanded business skills in Western New York.

“We need to keep our students local and stop the so called “brain drain.” It’s my mission and dream to give young adults the tools to start their own businesses which in turn will boost local economic growth. These are some of the benefits that the MICE Foundation offers the local economy,” said Meszaros.

“Young people have the greatest potential and opportunity to develop positive attitudes and business behaviors. Entrepreneurial skills can be easily translated to daily life. The training helps young people develop effective work behaviors, personal management talents, and critical thinking skills: all these abilities help an individual become a high quality human asset,” said Salamone.

“MICE will be a bigger, better influence on your life than any college or graduate school you’ll ever attend. The friendships you make here with classmates, teachers, and prominent guest speakers will be deeper and longer lasting than those developed in other courses you have taken or will take. We encourage students to continue their college education here in Western New York. We provide them exposure to the information related to starting a business. Our intent is to empower and equip local youth to contribute to the economic growth of our community,” said Meszaros.

As for Calabrese Smith, he is confident the valuable lessons learned every Saturday morning through the MICE Foundation will help him start that business, and keep it right here in Western New York.

“This program is a tremendous opportunity for me to be able to build a business. I don’t want to leave my family in Buffalo. Hopefully completion of the ETP experience will keep me here in Western New York,” added Calabrese Smith.

For more information on the Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship: www.mice-us-foundation.com. the Entrepreneurial Training Program's Third Program Year…In the program's previous two sessions, over 90 applicants attended the course from 19 different schools within Erie County. 80 of these students were successful graduates. Many of our students come from economically and academically disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the goals of our program is to keep our bright young people in Western New York colleges after high school and if they choose not to seek higher education, then to give them the tools to start a successful business locally.

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Henry Kravis once said “if you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing”. After my experience in the Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship (M.I.C.E.) Ethical Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) I now fully have a complete understanding of what Henry Kravis was attempting to communicate. Society mandates the standard belief that money equals power. However, if one cannot shamelessly account for the decisions made which contributed to the accumulation of wealth, then they really have nothing to be proud of.

The ETP program is hosted at the State University of New York at Buffalo, located directly in the School of Management. Every Saturday from mid-October until mid-March all of the participants met on the campus and attended a three hour class. Each class session included a delivery of content, an in-class activity, and a guest speaker. The guest speaker was either a local business owner or other professional who provided realistic applications and examples of the content from that class session. Although the program was designed as a vehicle for the exploration of self-employment in high school students, it became vehicle of self-growth after my completion of the program.

As I entered my assigned room on October 11th, 2008, never could I have imagined I was taking the first steps into a new state of mind. One of my professors, Eugene, made everyone stop what they were doing and simply said, “Talk. Get to know one another. Find out each other’s strengths and weaknesses”. At the time, he claimed this was a source of preparation for the business plan competition that would take place at the end of the program. However, in reflection, I can see Eugene was simply providing our first lesson on the importance of communication. Whether one is pursuing a business or handling a task in everyday life, communication would be the key to success. As I began taking these “mini” lessons from the classroom and applying them to “real life” situations, I began to fully understand the mission of the ETP. The ETP was not solely focused on enlightening young adults on the basics of entrepreneurship; its principle concern was illustrating the connection between being a successful entrepreneur in business and being a successful person in life. The foundation of the program was built upon the basis of ethics in entrepreneurship.

Before the program I was under the impression that in order to be successful in life, I needed to have a large accumulation of wealth. During the third class, my professor Scott inquired what our definition of success was. Immediately I thought money was the correct answer but when that turned out to be false I was forced to revise my way of thinking. Following the ideal of society was not the way of thinking of a true entrepreneur. After a few minutes I brainstormed a new definition, that being “Success is something that can only be defined based on a person’s perception. In general, success is simply the measure of happiness based off of one achieving their own personal goals, whatever they may be”. By the look on my professor’s face, I knew I had given the response he was looking for. From that point on, my way of thinking continued evolving from one of limited understanding to one becoming more broadened into the different possible approaches to a situation.

The last portion of the program was focused on creating a business plan in which all of the student groups would present their plans in a final competition. As previously stated, everything learned in the classroom related in to life in some way. The professors allowed us to pick our own groups. My group consisted of six very-dominant personality students. A damaging problem arose as everyone wanted to be the leader or CEO of our business, and no one was willing to take the “back seat”. The inconsistency of a leader within my group was one of the contributing factors as towards why we did not win the competition. However this dilemma gave me insight into the importance of balance in order to run a successful business, as each role (i.e. the leader and the follower) are equally important to the success of a business. This concept of balance greatly influenced my life as well. I always attempted to be the leader in every activity that I pursued to take part in. I realized that being in charge or having an important title should not be the basis or involvement in any activity. I began joining clubs and doing activities simply for the happiness and joy that came along with them. Placing third in the competition was a very humbling experience as well as I am a competitive person. However as the top two teams were being announced I began to reflect on the competition as a whole. I came to realize that “Yes, they were a better team and they deserved win”. This was the first time in my life that I had been so accepting of a defeat. A defeat was always utilized as fuel or motivation to work harder, to reach the top. Though I still have that competitive mentality, after that day I now know that winning is not everything. The process and journey to the final outcome of any situation is of most value to a person.

In closing, the Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship Ethical Entrepreneurship Training Program taught me more than how to run a successful business. It enlightened me into a new perception of how to approach life. The program formed an outlet that said “one does not have to waiver their ethical/moral beliefs in order to be successful in life”. Since the completion of the program I have stood by that way of thinking. I try to minimize anything that attempts to stand in my way of achieving true success and happiness. The program has opened doors for me I never believed imaginable. I have spoken at luncheons, conducted interviews and became an overall ambassador for the program. While saying my final goodbyes, an unfamiliar lady inquired how I felt about the program. I simply replied “It was a life-changing experience and one of the best investments I could have possibly made for myself. And to think, it only took sacrificing quite a few Saturdays during my junior year. When you ask me ‘was it worth it’? My only reply could be ‘Most definitely’!”

- Amanda

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It was by mere chance that I happened to be in the Sacred Heart guidance office on the day the MICE-ETP applications arrived. Originally, I was interested in law and law alone, and had my entire life planned around obtaining an undergraduate degree in political science followed by law school. My advisor was not going to even bring up the program to me, as she did not think I had any interest in business, but I was intrigued and filled out the application.

Getting into and attending the MICE-ETP class was one of the most enriching opportunities of my life. I learned a great deal about entrepreneurship and was able to meet and work with astounding individuals. While the class taught me the material, it was the individuals who taught me about passion, work ethic, time management, and teamwork. I truly enjoyed forming the business plan and competing in the competition, and I am still in contact with my team members. I credit the MICE-ETP with developing my interest in business, as I am now an intended business major and plan on going on to business school for my MBA.

- Jessica

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First of all, I want to say that I am so greatly moved by how connected and welcoming everyone in this room is. I strongly believe that a critical factor in the success of any entrepreneur is human connection. It is true that one person can lead a movement, but that one person needs amazing people by his/her side to change the world.

Just as George Alexander said about his experience, as soon as I heard that the MICE program was in existence, I had to sign up immediately! I've always been an entrepreneur, even before I knew what the word meant- I was selling sushi to my classmates when I was 5. Ever since then, I've never gone a day without being involved in some type of entrepreneurial endeavor.

So what exactly happened as a result of M.I.C.E.? I won a $40,000 entrepreneurial scholarship, I competed in the Stern Business Competition alongside MBA students and Wall-Street regulars, among many other things. I've learned that "entrepreneurialism" does not only entail starting a business; it means embracing an entrepreneurial spirit and passion to make your mark on the world. I just returned from Thailand where I produced and hosted a television pilot, and am in the process of opening up another nonprofit (on top of my already existing business, www.bethanybydesign.com). I have dreams that will move mountains and and M.I.C.E. has given me the confidence to work towards that.

The most valuable thing that I took away from the ETP was the guiding principal to follow your passion. Having your own company that mirrors your personal value system is like having a soul mate- I couldn't imagine anything better. I also gained the confidence that I need to network with everyone and anyone that I meet. As a result of this, I've met so many amazing people and have formed many invaluable relationships. For example, a few days ago, I worked up the confidence to speak to the founders of Ben & Jerry's (Ben and Jerry, themselves!) at an event. They told me that they neither had an MBA or a the money, all they had under their belts was a $5 course in ice cream making, an entrepreneurial drive, and the passion to succeed. 10 years later, they had a 32 Million dollar business.

If you've ever read the book, "Outliers," by Malcome Gladwell, you know that the amount of practice and training one has is directly related to how successful he/she is. This is precisely why we are so appreciative of everyone here tonight. The students who sign up for this program already have an entrepreneurial spirit, all they need are the tools for success, which the ETP does an exceptional job of teaching. It's really all about connecting with one another and thanking those who helped you along the way and I owe bundles of thanks to all those involved in making the program a success. You brought out my best self and you reaffirmed the notion that once people are given the opportunity, their potential can be realized.

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Hope that will do! Thanks again for everything :)

Best, Bethany

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When I first learned about the Meszaros International Center for Entrepreneurship, I knew I had to sign up. All my life I’ve been an entrepreneur of sorts, trying business venture after business venture from trying to convert my home into a shopping mall, to attempting to organize a basketball league, to starting and financing my own record label and studio. Going in, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but after exchanging a look, and then a smile, with Mr. Meszaros, I felt much more comfortable and eased into the program. Little did I know that I was in for a life-changing experience.

The course material as well as the manner in which it was presented was engaging, interesting, and strengthened my knowledge of business operations. Through this program I not only learned the difference between an LLC and a Corporation, but also the ins and outs of every facet of the business. I am a firm believer that an entrepreneur, a truly successful entrepreneur, should have, at the very least, a cursory knowledge of each department and how they work. This program taught me that, even bringing in an accounting student to help our team manage assets to come up with costs and a break-even analysis for the business plan competition. The material, however, was nothing compared to the actual final task, the business plan competition.

Coach John Wooden, who led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national championships in 12 years, once said that the journey is often much more satisfying than the result. Working with my team, I can see exactly what he meant. We were all unique, we all had different strengths and weaknesses, but we shared one goal: to win. We put in long hours, trying to make our plan feasible and profitable. There were times we didn’t all see eye to eye, but we got it done. When the moment came, when it was our time to go up with the lights on bright and all eyes on us, I could only think one thing: Game time. The preparation we had done for that day paid off and we executed very well, and there was a sense of closure and optimism as everything we had seen and been through those six months or so was finally pulled together. When we were announced the winners, it was just icing on the cake after seeing the vision come out in such a way.

I learned a lot about business in this program, but also a lot about life. I learned how to better work in a team. I learned that I was capable of stepping up in a leadership role. I learned that there is no “can’t” and that perfection of the smallest details makes the big things possible. I learned all of this, but it started with me first learning that there is actually a 9:00 AM on Saturday mornings…and being reminded of that fact for six long months. So to Professor Hegedus, Professor Salamone, Ms. Vanderbosch, and of course, Mr. Meszaros, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for creating a program that is educational, interesting, fun, and worth every penny. It was the best investment I’ve ever made.

-George Alexander

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Dear Mrs. Colwell,

I am currently enrolled in an entrepreneurship program at The University of Buffalo called M.I.C.E. (Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship). I am the only sophomore that has ever attended this program. This is a twenty week course that is based on how to start up and operate a business. I have learned a lot throughout these classes and I know that it will definitely help me in my future. This class will also benefit me in the finance academy. There have been many guest speakers who have shared their ideas and tips on how to be a successful businessman. Not only have I learned from these classes, but I have also met a lot of people from different schools. I do not regret waking up every Saturday morning because I know that many people would love to have the opportunity to take part in such a beneficial class.

Sincerely, Alexandra Naumovski

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Dear Ms. Kaczor and Ms. Castro,

I am writing to you on behalf of an international entrepreneurship program that Christa Dines and I are taking part of at the University at Buffalo. This program, MICE, has helped the both of us learn many things in the field we hope to pursue, business. Every Saturday we meet at UB and learn that many qualities and knowledge needed to start, market, and be able to run a business. Christa and I have also met and become friends with many people from area schools through group work and hands on learning. As the classes draw to the end, we look forward to the "Business Plan Workshop" and the Business Competition we will take part in before we graduate from the program. I am writing to recommend this program to other Holy Angels students looking to pursue business after school. I have enjoyed my time immensely and I ask that you share the program's website (www.mice-us-foundation.com) with any girls interested and Christa and I are both willing to talk to anyone about it. This is a great opportunity and I want everyone to have the chance to learn all that Christa and I have. Thank you!

Thanks again,

Claire Hoodmaker

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Dear Mrs.Dunklin

I am currently one of your students at Emerson School Of Hospitality and I am writing this short letter to inform you that I am very pleased that you have introduced me to the M.I.C.E program last year where Eugene Hegedus was the guest speaker. I'm attending University At Buffalo (north campus) every Saturday from 9am-12noon Jacobs Center Of Business and Management where we experience realistic business matters, actions, and vibes in small groups, where we also learn the overall experience of Entrepreneurship. For the past few weeks we've been learning about the market mix, Gap Analysis, Franchise, General partnership, and Limited partnership Etc. But most importantly I've learned that there is "NO" recipe for success there are many factors that effect an Entrepreneurs chance for success, in addition if an individual has a passion for owning a business and the proper skills and techniques they will be a step closer to being a successful business owner. Therefore I'm very ecstatic that I've joined the M.I.C.E program here at UB and have met some very unique and intelligent students from varies types of High Schools. I would highly recommend that you continue to inform other students at Emerson High School to the Entrepreneurship program if they are interested in the business field because this was a great experience for me. Thanks Again

Vedrana Petrovic

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Mr Molinaro,


In The Entrepreneurship Program (MICE) it has given me the opportunity to acquire many valuable skills that will assist me in my future career goals and dreams. I now am aware what it entails to become successful. The experience I've shared has not only gave me a higher level of knowledge but has left me with friendships that i will continue to share. Knowing people that have relatively the same goal in life has given me a chance to bounce off their ideas and know what competition will really be like. I highly recommend this to any of my fellow classmates, anyone who is interested in hard work and fun should really apply for this program! The time I've spent in the college environment has given me limitless opportunities.



Thank you for your time,


Raechal Mack

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I am writing this to help and encourage other students to take part in the Mezaros International Center for Entreprenuership course I am currently enrolled in at the University at Buffalo. I am taking this course to learn more about entrepreneurship and what opportunities it may have in store for me as a potential career. This course has taught me the basics of business, and how many people who try to run their own business often fail because they don’t have the proper background knowledge. This course aims to teach students to think beyond the traditional business stereotype and to think creatively in a professional way. A couple of topics I have found most interesting were marketing and entrepreneurship types. I encourage you to tell your students about this course, and ask that you share with them the MICE program website (www.mice-us-foundation.com). I have learned so much and I feel that this program can offer opportunities for many other students interested in the area of business and entrepreneurship.

Thank You

Hannah Sigurdson

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Dear Mrs. Hartman, Mr. D, Mrs. Shafer, and Mr. Smith,

In addition to my CHS work, I am currently a student of the entrepreneurship program (MICE) at the University of Buffalo. I wanted to let you know that this program has taught me all the important qualities needed in a business. I have learned how to pick a location for a business, what would be needed to fund, market, and run that business, and how I'd manage that business to keep it alive for the future. I have also made many friends there by doing group activities. These allowed me to gain business knowledge and have an excellent time! I am writing to recommend this course to Clarence students interested in business. It's a great chance for the students to get exposure to real business life as well as other life situations. There have been many speakers in the course and they share their experiences with us. So, I ask you to further encourage your students to participate in MICE. I am finding it very worthwhile.

Yours truly, Victoria Macy

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My name is Dominica Mitchell and I am enrolled in the MICE Program (www.mice-us-foundation.com) through the University at Buffalo. The program centers around helping high school students learn about operating a business and entrepreneurship. I have learned a great deal about business principals. It is a pleasure for me to take part in this type of programs. Every Saturday we are introduced to more ideas, and guest speakers come in to teach us the ins and outs. As a high school junior MICE provides an additional learning opportunity for me. Each year the program recruits students from high schools and I all students should enter this program. It has been a great experience for me.

Dominica Mitchell

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Dear Mrs. Schneider,

I have been in this program called ETP which stand for Entrepreneurship Training Program which is run through MICE(The Meszaros International Center for Entrepreneurship. The program is held at the University @ Buffalo. I currently attend every Saturday at 9am. The ETP is a jump start into the business world for students in high school. It teaches you a lot about conducting a business successfully. Every week we have guest speakers who come in to class and speak on their success and gives us words of encouragement. The class consist of me and about 40 other high school students across Western New York. If a student in high school wants to learn more about business, entrepreneurship and life before college ETP is the way to go. It's an amazing program with amazing people, amazing instructors and the amazing donuts.

Sincerely, Domonick Pitts

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I am writing this to inform you about the MICE course I am currently enrolled in at the University at Buffalo. I am taking this course to learn more about entrepreneurship and what opportunities it may have in store for me as a potential career. This course has taught me a lot about businesses, and how many people who try to run their own business often fail because they don’t have the proper skills. This course teaches you many things most individuals would not think of on their own. A couple of topics I have found most interesting were marketing and entrepreneurship types. I encourage you to tell your students about this course, and ask that you share with them the MICE program website (www.mice-us-foundation.com). I have learned a lot about what I might want to do for a profession when I finish college, and would be happy to speak with any student that has interest in learning more about the program.

Thank You

Cole Bauer

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The M-I-C-E program has taught me that there's more to being an entrepreneur than just owning a business. It takes risks and a lot of preparation to ensure success. I would most certainly recommend this program to anyone interested in the entrepreneur field.

Naomi Deane

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To: Mr. Bowen, Assistant Principle Williamsville North H.S.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to an entrepreneurship-training program, that I attend at the University at Buffalo. The program is called the “Meszaros International Center of Entrepreneurship” (MICE). I believe the program provides great insight into being an entrepreneur. The program has many goals, one of them being to Develop future visionary, inspirational, and ethical business leaders. The course is 15 weeks. The sessions are for 3 hours every Saturday from 9-12 noon. The 3 hours is broken into lecture, group activities and very inspirational and informative guest speakers. I believe this program is good for people who have an interest in business/ entrepreneurship. The program really builds on the core parts of business. The program is like nothing before. It helps you learn in a very hands on way. You learn by doing activates and by talking about things you can relate to and are very familiar with. The latest technology is talked about along with material that has been known to the business community virtually forever. There is a very diverse group of students as well as teachers. The primary teacher is Scott, who teaches at Medaille as well as Lancaster high school. He has a very strong business backing and has helped to open the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He is a pro in marketing. Joe Salamone is professor at the University at Buffalo who developed the syllabus and the “textbook” we use to complete our practical homework assignments. Eugene Hegedus is a very intelligent man who has a background in the radio station business and he tells us about various information related to business. He also provides background information on our guest speakers. The program takes place in a classroom within the Jacobs Management Center at U.B.’s Amherst campus. Before Graduation, students must engage in a business plan workshop and create a business of their choice. Students can also receive college credit if they register early enough. You’re more than welcome to join me for a session to see what the program is all about. This program is something that one can do to better themselves. It may just be that competitive advantage that the competition does not have. If you have something over someone else you will be the one chosen for the job or opportunity. The next round of the program begins in October of this year( 2010) and is open to all juniors and seniors. If you would like more information please visit: www.mice-us-foundation.com

Thanks For Your Time,

Carson C. Ciggia

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Mr. Dixon,

I'm glad that I chose to participate in MICE, and I think that we should encourage other students to take this course. I've learned a lot so far, and it's actually fun. :) I think that if Mr. Hegudus came in and talked to mostly the sophomores, Mrs. Piotrowski's marketing classes, and possibly the Hospitality and Tourism students, more people would become aware of the program and might want to join (especially if Mr. Hegudus came in!) If not, maybe a possible guest speaker at a AOF meeting. Just something to think about.

Kathy Kloc (KKJK :D)

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At the recommendation of my instructor, I would like to share the following information. I am currently enrolled in a college course at UB, Meszaros International Center for Entrepreneurship, or MICE. In this course, we participate in an Entrepreneurship Training Program, or ETP, and learn the basics of business, marketing, and how to become a successful entrepreneur. I attend the class each Saturday from 9am - 12pm, take notes, participate in group activities, and listen to guest speakers that have become successful entrepreneurs themselves. In the last few classes we will also create a business plan with a group, and present it to our classmates. I would like to invite you to attend one of these classes so you can see all of the exciting things we are doing in person. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.

Thank you.

Samantha Rzeszut

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My experience in M.I.C.E. has been phenomenal. I learned what it meant to be an entrepreneur and a leader. Through this class I was able to step out of my comfort zone and interact with my other peers. Also this allowed me to use more of my creative and imaginative side because we have to come up with business and invention ideas. Guest Speakers at this program taught me to make money work for you and not the other way around. This course helped me to see what the pros and cons to being an entrepreneur is and I willing to do what ever it takes to be one and successful at it. I think this would be a great program for juniors and seniors to go to if they really what to be an entrepreneur and to give other students the same opportunity that I have. We meet every Saturday from 9:15am-12:00pm and it is also a college credit. You are not going to find a better class with teachers who have first-hand experience on being an entrepreneur. I encourage you to attend this class.

Thank you for your time,

Jasmine Shabazz

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