"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

- Benjamin Franklin

Mission

Advance the community, by educating and motivating individuals to create, develop and act on his or her entrepreneurial ideas.

How catalyst for thought began

In the summer of 2006, the first conception of Catalyst was born through meetings and lectures organized by Chrissy Deferville and Kristin Brown, who envisioned a group fueled by inspiring, experienced achievers. Over the next few years, Chrissy merged their shared passions of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community, into what is now Catalyst for Thought…encouraging people to invest in themselves, and their community. In March of 2008, Catalyst held its first formal meeting with the entire group composed of twelve talented team members from various disciplines, each with an entrepreneurial passion. Today, Catalyst for Thought is operated by over 25 entrepreneurs and professionals.

The catalyst for thought purpose


Catalyst seeks to unlock the entrepreneur in each of us. Society is positively impacted when individuals are empowered to identify and address their own problems, and create solutions. This process impacts society. That impact inspires others, and the process is repeated when you connect like-minded people. The possibilities are exponential!

Objectives

• Bring together, and foster, a community of entrepreneurs and professionals.
• Promote entrepreneurship and ethical business practices, as a way to improve the individual, and the community.
• Be an “entrepreneurial hub,” equipping the entrepreneur with the resources and contacts to be successful.
• Raise awareness about the current needs in the community, and extend financial support to benefiting non-profits.

Vision

Educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are innovative, able to identify a problem, and offer a valuable solution that has not existed before. Their human potential is our capital.

The problem – the solution

Today's culture is one of instant gratification and immediacy. Much of this culture breeds attitudes of entitlement. In the real world, individuals who are successful, take action, and take ownership of their lives. Our goal is to create an environment for individuals to come together who genuinely want to improve their life circumstance. Rather than wait for others to provide direction and insight on what to do next, the Catalyst philosophy focuses on educating and motivating the individual to act. Through individual freedom and empowerment, personal ownership of life and its possibilities…the community benefits.

The solution - temet nosce

Temet Nosce is Latin for "know yourself." Catalyst believes knowing one's capacity, strengths, and weaknesses is the first step in any professional business plan. Rather than wait for others to provide direction and insight on what to do next, the Catalyst philosophy focuses on educating and motivating the individual to act. Through individual transformation and self-awareness, the community benefits.

Operating catalyst for thought

Our expectations are high. Catalyst operates as an organic, democratic entity, led by Team Directors who harness their expertise, along with the skills of highly motivated volunteers, to develop, implement and coordinate all Catalyst activities. Each team takes full responsibility for their particular areas, and in coordinating with the organization as a whole. We operate as a non-profit with for-profit values and processes.

Catalyst for Thought is a non-profit, public benefit corporation, with 501(c)(3) status.

Team