President Barack Obama declared November to be National Entrepreneurship Month. Throughout November, the United States celebrates America’s innovators, supports small businesses and encourages entrepreneurs to make their ideas a reality. The U.S. Department of State’s Global Entrepreneurship Program is one example of how the United States is helping to identify and train promising entrepreneurs to connect them with mentors or potential investors.

Are you an F-1 student interested in starting your own business? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS’s) Entrepreneurs in Residence initiative allows nonimmigrants to start a business and have a stake in its financial success. If you are an F-1 student, you may be able to start your own business while participating in optional practical training (OPT). However, you must follow the rules to maintain your student status if you are employed while you are a student. You can be employed in OPT only with your designated school official’s (DSO’s) recommendation and authorization from USCIS.

Read about some inspiring student entrepreneurship stories like those who started businesses around a breathalyzer, the FreeBike Project and a startup to help F and M students move into the United States easier.

Talk to your DSO if you have questions about entrepreneurship or employment opportunities in the United States.

Sources:

• Presidential Proclamation – National Entrepreneurship Month, 2013; The White House
• Global Entrepreneurship Program; U.S. Department of State
• USCIS Announces "Entrepreneurs in Residence" Initiative; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Startup’s pitch strikes a chord with founder of MU business group;Columbia Daily Tribune