Since 2009, a few entrepreneurship courses and several learning opportunities have been offered at Central College and momentum has been growing.  There has been ongoing discussion around opportunities for expanding the program and scope.  Here are few key initiatives implemented in the last couple years or currently in process:

• An Executive in Residence (Central alumni with extensive entrepreneurship experience) was added to encourage and build the program

• Partnership with Veel Hoeden (Pella Coworking space).  This allows students full access to the space, networking sessions, special events, internships and co-hosting activities

• Formation of an Entrepreneurship Minor

• Further cultivation and implementation of national and international partnerships with for/non-profits

• Continue developing major student lead projects that enable students to learn experientially

• Created a new position at Central to lead and administer this program and further develop the innovative culture within the college.

• Development of student lead business on campus

• Development of entrepreneurship student on campus student organization

This program provides students with greatly enhanced entrepreneurial skills and experience, within the context of Central’s experiential learning and international studies strengths. This program is fairly new to Central but certainly one of the fastest growing.  Here are some student outcomes worth noting.

• Students develop a tool kit to assist in starting their own venture
• In-class interaction with 10-15 entrepreneurs per semester
• At least 10 opportunities to  attend outside of class interactions with entrepreneurs per semester
• Partner with Des Moines entrepreneurs (Silicon Prairie News, The BIZ, Startup Job Crawl, Startup Weekends and multiple area entrepreneurs)
• Not only interaction with startups but also non-profits, franchises, intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs who purchase established businesses
• Business plan development within their area of passion and around their leadership skills

More information at http://www.central.edu