Many universities are establishing innovation hubs to cultivate entrepreneurial talent among students and local communities. These incubators provide vital resources and support, enabling entrepreneurs to develop and launch their businesses. While the commitment to entrepreneurship education is not a new trend, collaboration among students, faculty, and community business leaders is increasingly emphasized.
At the University of North Dakota (UND), the Center for Innovation has played a pivotal role since its inception in **1984**. The director, Amy Whitney, explains that the centre’s mission is to encourage creative thinking across various disciplines. “Our role is to step in and give a safe space to push those comfort zones even further,” Whitney says. She emphasizes the importance of transforming students’ ideas into practical innovations.
Similarly, the Northern Innovation Startup Center at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, launched in **November 2022**, is quickly making strides in supporting entrepreneurship. Its director, Bea Smith, notes the ease of collaborating with community organizations to support founders. “We are complementary to the other organizations and establishments that are already here,” she states.
Business Education and Skill Development
Both universities work closely with business departments to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and resources. They offer workshops and courses covering business planning, market analysis, finance, and leadership. Whitney highlights the networking opportunities available at UND, including the runway accelerator program, which offers students the chance to receive $10,000 mini-grants for viable business ideas. This funding is supported through alumni donations and partnerships with the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration.
The grant money at UND is sourced from alumni and collaborations with foundations such as the Edson Larson Foundation. These financial resources help nourish the entrepreneurial spirit among students and community members alike.
Mentorship and Community Engagement
A crucial element of these university hubs is the mentorship provided by experienced industry professionals and faculty. Smith notes that the centers facilitate connections between innovators and experts, such as patent attorneys, to guide them through the business development process. This support extends beyond students to community entrepreneurs seeking to launch new ventures.
Whitney reiterates the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, stating, “The goal of the university is to think in new and different ways.” The incubators at both universities operate at the intersection of academia and the community, creating valuable networks. Local founders often discover talent and expertise within the university, leading to collaborative opportunities.
At Northern State University, the Northern Innovation Startup Center is open to community members aged **18 and up**. Smith describes the center as a resource for those with business ideas who may not know how to begin. “We want to be the entrepreneurial bridge for northeast South Dakota,” she emphasizes, highlighting the accessibility of their programs offered both in-person and online.
In addition to supporting adult entrepreneurs, UND runs a summer program called Kidpreneurs aimed at younger students. Whitney explains that this initiative helps middle and high school students develop business ideas and present them at local fairs, fostering entrepreneurial skills from an early age. “It’s our summer passion project,” she says, noting the excitement of seeing students return year after year to grow their businesses.
University entrepreneurship incubators are proving essential in fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of business leaders. As Whitney articulates, “We want you to bring us wild ideas, and we’re going to help you think outside the box.” By creating a supportive environment for creativity and collaboration, these institutions are making significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape in their regions.