Need help with a small business challenge? Find it at a nearby college

Across the U.S. — indeed, around the world — universities are responding to a wave of students who want careers as entrepreneurs and small business owners. Over 110 university programs focused on such entrepreneurship, small business and family business education and training are now featured in the SmallBusiness.com University Entrepreneurship Programs Hub. Each entry features an overview of the program, along with contact information.

American colleges and universities are also homes to nearly 1,000 Small Business Development Centers (almost 850 are featured on the SmallBusiness.com SBDC Hub).

In addition to offering academic programs to students, these colleges have recognized the importance of serving the needs of innovative, entrepreneurial and growing businesses in their area. Such companies are the economic backbones of the regions these colleges serve — and they are the creators of jobs their alumni will need upon graduation — at least, the graduates who don’t start their own companies immediately. Helping these companies succeed is important to these colleges’ success, as well.

While most of these programs have been created during the past 25 years, they have already produced a generation of young people with the passion — and skills — to create and grow companies.

As part of their training, many of these students must shadow or serve “intrapreneurships” at area businesses — a great way for companies to support the entrepreneurship programs, while getting the chance to work with some talented, innovative and passionate young men and women.

Additionally, these programs often offer seminars, speakers and programs for business owners in the region that provide great opportunities for you to hear new ideas, opportunities and solutions — along with networking with other entrepreneurs — and future entrepreneurs.

SBDCs at these schools can also provide assistance and consulting — most at little or no cost — related to specific business needs, like helping prepare you for applying for an SBA loan — or even help in setting up a new business.

To see if there are university entrepreneurship programs or Small Business Development Centers in your area, visit the SmallBusiness.com Local Hub and click on the “Cities in … ” link.

See also on SmallBusiness.com
•University Entrepreneurship Hub
•SBDC Offices Hub
•Local Hub