Start-ups and the entrepreneurial spirit are two of the biggest things discussed at B-schools nowadays. As more and more students are creating their own opportunities through start-ups and venture capital, schools are crafting their own centers to help incubate the visions of their students.
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies (IES) is University of Illinois Chicago’s resource for inspiring and empowering entrepreneurs. This includes students with an interest in launching and leading a new business ventures of any size or sort, those who want to join a start-up team that has already gotten off the ground, or those who just want to know more about how they may fit into the start-up lifestyle.
IES offer a bevy of diverse programs including classes, workshops, challenges and certificates that introduce new venture development skills and experiences. The IES calls its programs “applied, interdisciplinary and tailored with a bias toward action.” These programs often extend and complement traditional university courses that go along with earning a traditional degree.
IES Programs include:
- Events like BIG Weekends and the C2V Challenge that inspire people across the entire UIC campus to explore entrepreneurship.
- Innovative interdisciplinary experiential Educational Programs geared for any and all students.
- Educational Programs tailored to meet the specific needs of specific cohorts, like veterans, engineers, and scientists.
- In-person Workshops & Quick Intros that provide guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs at each step along the way to a successful startup.
- Connections to the Chicago Entrepreneur Community through recent and long-time successful entrepreneurs.
IES is also a sponsor of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at UIC. Since 2002, the Illinois SBDC at UIC has worked with students, faculty and the community to help emerging and established business owners start, grow and build their own ventures. Over the past decade the Illinois SBDC at UIC has helped over 2000 entrepreneurs launch 200 new businesses, creating 2600 jobs and securing over $85 million in funding.
Last year, the Illinois SBDC at UIC helped clients secure over $2 million in loans and $3 million in equity investment. Five clients successfully registered a patent and two clients received over $200,000 in SBIR funds.
IES can connect students with experts, mentors, other entrepreneurs and the growing resources of the entrepreneurial community beyond UIC. For more information visit the Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies website.