The institute will foster extraordinary learning opportunities for student entrepreneurs, as well as coaching and consulting services for area business owners and veterans.

Entrepreneurship has a new home at Centenary University, which will host a ribbon cutting for its Institute for Entrepreneurship on Friday, March 15, at 3 p.m. on the ground floor of the Seay Building. The institute brings the University’s business consulting capabilities under one roof to provide business owners and prospective entrepreneurs with coaching and guidance from Centenary faculty, credentialed consultants, and experienced business students.

            “The Institute for Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of my vision to establish Centenary as an intellectual leader in New Jersey and beyond,” said Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D. “This facility consolidates the University’s extensive business resources to provide seamless educational opportunities and coaching to Centenary students and neighboring businesses.”

Signature programs offered at the new Institute for Entrepreneurship include:

Signature programs offered at the new Institute for Entrepreneurship include:

The Consulting Co-op—A resource for area businesses to tap the expertise of Centenary University faculty and experienced business students for training on starting or growing a business. 

The Launch Studio— A small business resource center providing resources, training, and mentorship through a series of workshops, with a goal to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Under the direction of Library Director Susan Van Alstyne, a certified entrepreneurship librarian, the Launch Studio also recently hosted a student pitch competition.

Centenary University Enactus—A student-led competitive business team, Enactus will make its permanent home at the Institute for Entrepreneurship. The team focuses on social entrepreneurship and has won recognition at national and international competitions. Centenary Enactus holds a patent for Shieldz Wearable Technologies, a wristband that detects fatigue in drivers, and has created other marketable products. 

Patent Monetization Services—A program leveraging the University’s patent experience to guide entrepreneurs through the patent process.

Veteran Ventures Program—A free virtual training and coaching program for veterans and their family members planning to start their own business.

“The Institute for Entrepreneurship marks a new era for business programs at Centenary University,” said Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship Linda Poisseroux, Ph.D., a professor of business and director of Enactus. “Through the Centenary University Institute for Entrepreneurship, we can expand our existing consulting relationships to collaborate with a growing number of small businesses.”

Enactus and Business, Media, and Writing Department Graduate Assistant Jenna Glinko said the institute is designed to enhance collaboration: “This space is intentionally designed to support creativity and innovation. It creates a real-world business climate for students and a professional setting to meet with consulting clients.”

The Institute for Entrepreneurship was funded through contributions to Centenary Now: The Campaign for College & Opportunity for Everyone. Announced last fall by Dr. Caldwell, the capital campaign seeks to raise $8 million for scholarships, innovative academics, and support programs to give every student the opportunity to attend college. Through the campaign, the University has already awarded scholarships to deserving students and established new academic programs, including the Working Degree Program offering discounted tuition for employed adults to earn a bachelor’s degree in several disciplines. In addition, Prudent Publishing has donated office furniture for the Institute for Entrepreneurship. 

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.