MOBI Celebrates 10 Years at Santa Clara University

Photo of the MOBI Team at the 10th Anniversary Reception

MOBI Celebrates 10 Years at Santa Clara University

From Donuts to Dreams—MOBI's Free Business Courses Serve a Vital Niche in the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

My Own Business Institute Celebrates 10 Years at Santa Clara University, Fueling Confidence and Dreams for Three Million People Around the World with Free Entrepreneurship Education

PRESS RELEASE—SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2025— My Own Business Institute (MOBI), a community engagement initiative providing free online entrepreneurship education around the world, today commemorates ten years of empowering entrepreneurs at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business.

Photo of Holland Family Members at MOBI 10th Anniversary Reception

Started by Yum Yum Donuts founder Phil Holland and his wife Peggy to help rebuild Los Angeles communities after the devastating 1992 riots, MOBI has created a global presence and filled a critical gap in the entrepreneurship ecosystem—all for free. MOBI’s mission is to start businesses and create jobs, without making assumptions about a student's educational background, business experience, or technical aptitude.

MOBI students and alumni represent 249 countries and territories, but its reach and impact extend far beyond geographical boundaries. With the help of over 120 partners around the globe, MOBI brings its curriculum to those who need and want it most. MOBI partners include economic development organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions—such as high schools, community colleges, universities, and Extension programs—vocational training centers, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), employment assistance and readiness programs, and more.

Photo of Dean Grier Speaking at MOBI 10th Anniversary

“MOBI’s focus on accessibility, worldwide reach, and collaboration not only provides support for entrepreneurs from all walks of life, it also advances the strategic priorities of the Leavey School of Business and the broader University,” said Ed Grier, dean of the Leavey School of Business. “By opening the doors of entrepreneurship and introducing future leaders to Santa Clara University, MOBI is helping us achieve our goals for accessibility, access, and the pursuit of a more just, humane, and sustainable world.”

Within the landscape of entrepreneurship education, MOBI stands out for its altruistic mission, commitment to accessibility, and university affiliation. Every MOBI student is eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion from Santa Clara University. To date approximately 22,000 online learners have earned a Certificate of Completion, and its English and Spanish websites are visited by over 400,000 users each year.

Photo of MOBI ED Drew Starbird speaking at 10th Anniversary

“At MOBI, we like to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a new business idea or a business owner who wants to expand and grow, MOBI can give you the tools and knowledge you need,” said Drew Starbird, MOBI executive director and Leavey School of Business professor of information systems and analytics. “Our inspiring partners help us reach underserved communities and work with us to develop programs that support and empower new entrepreneurs. ”

MOBI’s partners integrate its free curriculum, 24/7 learning platform, and extensive resources into their local programs, bringing entrepreneurship education to their participants in unique and impactful ways.

In Austin, Texas, Jail to Jobs uses MOBI to support youth transitioning from incarceration.
In Silicon Valley and Mexico, the Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley (LBFSV) empowers small and micro-business owners to build a solid business foundation.
At Alabama A&M University, MOBI’s curriculum is incorporated into Extension programs to cultivate entrepreneurship across communities.

Photo of MOBI Team and LBFSV at 10th Anniversary Reception

“MOBI has been able to provide an incredible opportunity for our community members, locally in Silicon Valley as well as in Mexico,” said Jesus Flores, president and CEO of LBFSV. “MOBI provides the basic foundation for people who want to start a business and for those already operating one who are looking to improve efficiency, organization, or apply for a loan.”

“MOBI fills a critical gap in the entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Starbird. “By removing barriers to education, we’re helping aspiring entrepreneurs take their first step toward economic empowerment.”

MOBI continues to build upon its momentum, consistently offering new topics, courses, and learning options. In March 2024 MOBI expanded its commitment to accessibility by introducing MOBI On Demand, a selection of curriculum sessions available in audio and video learning modes in addition to MOBI’s traditional text-based experience.

To learn more about MOBI and its free online entrepreneurship courses, visit www.scu.edu/mobi or www.scu.edu/mobiespanol.

About the My Own Business Institute
The My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business is the world’s leading provider of free online entrepreneurship education. MOBI students and alumni represent 249 countries and territories recognized by the International Standardization Organization. MOBI partners with over 120 organizations and institutions around the world to bring free online entrepreneurship education to those who need and want it most. The MOBI curriculum and website are based on the work of Phil Holland, a successful entrepreneur and author of The Entrepreneur’s Guide. MOBI was generously gifted to Santa Clara University in 2014 by Phil and his wife Peggy, an accomplished school teacher and administrator, along with an endowment, valued at $22 million at the time of transfer, to ensure that the organization and its accompanying websites would flourish into the future and continue to support the vital social and economic contributions of small businesses worldwide. The My Own Business Institute was founded and provided courses from SCU in 2015.

Media Contact:
Jill Martin
jmartin@scu.edu
408-551-2549

Top photo: MOBI team members pictured at the MOBI 10th Anniversary Reception, from left to right: Santa Clara University student intern Paulina Ordoñez '26, Annasofia Zuleta, Operations and Communications Manager, Jill Martin, Director, Operations and Communications, Drew Starbird, Ph.D., Executive Director and Leavey School of Business Professor of Information Systems and Analytics, and Trish Kalbas-Schmidt, Senior Director, Institute Relations and Program Development.

Second photo, on right: Holland family members at the 10th Anniversary Reception surrounding photo of Phil and Peggy Holland. From right to left: Lisa Holland, her daughter Dr. Sherly Rathfelder, and her son-in-law Daniel Gervais.

Third photo, on right: Grier speaking at the 10th Anniversary Reception.

Fourth photo, on left: Starbird speaking at the 10th Anniversary Reception.

Final photo, on right: MOBI team pictured at the 10th Anniversary Reception with LBFSV guests, from left to right: Zuleta, Starbird, Martin, Kalbas-Schmidt, Stephanie Flores Aguilar, LBFSV Programs Director, Jesus Flores, LBFSV President and CEO, and Angelica Flores, Woman in Power Initiative Coordinator.

Nov 18, 2025

MOBI Celebrates 10th Anniversary

MOBI Celebrates 10 Years at Santa Clara University