We’re here to inspire
Welcome to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business! We consider entrepreneurship to be a broad set of actions intended not only to create wealth but also to bring about new states in economic, social, institutional and cultural environments. Here at the Center, we are working to inspire the next generation, next research idea, and next community connection.
Students
Our Center is a learning laboratory designed to inspire the next generation to question assumptions and value new ideas. With support from generous donors and in partnership with various campus organizations, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business provides students with opportunities to put into practice what they learn in the classroom. In shaping the leaders of tomorrow, we are ourselves inspired by the energy and passion contained within our students.
Research
Research, both theoretical and practitio​ner focused, is the cornerstone of scholarly activities. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business provides substantial support for faculty members working on entrepreneurship research projects. Funds, visiting scholars, consultations, and workshops are available for research projects. The Center also provides opportunities for students to get involved in research. Funds, scholarships, assistantships, and training are available for students interested in getting involved in research.
Community
Engagement with the community is a key focus of The Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business. We strive to provide outreach activities that enhance student-business engagement and encourage entrepreneurial actions within the broader community. We also want to further the understanding, growth and development of family-owned businesses in order to support the continued success of the family businesses that make our communities and our state so great.
Resources
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business works closely with other entities in the community to support and provide the resources entrepreneurs and family businesses need.Â
Built to Inspire
Problems to Possibilities is an initiative designed to change the conversation in social impact education — moving from an overemphasis on the ‘heropreneur’ and new ‘solutions’ — toward a focus on a deep understanding of complex problems as the foundation for driving transformational change. Unlike business plan or pitch competitions, where participants are rewarded for their solution ideas, this program promotes students developing an in-depth understanding of a challenge, their understanding of what solution efforts are already being tried, and their identification of gaps or opportunities for increased impact. The competition challenges participants to use systems thinking as a guiding approach to understanding some of the most complex issues the world faces today. This program works with the Skoll Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford and uses their Map the System programming and materials.
