Cleveland State University

Location: Cleveland, OH | Institution Type: Public | Student Population: 9,950 (Fall 2022)
Cleveland State University empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs through unique opportunities, like the Weston Ideation Lab, and guides students through a wide variety of resources and mentorship programs. CSU helps student entrepreneurs learn how to succeed in the business world and how to be innovative thinkers.

Entrepreneurship Programs and Resources

CSU TECH Hub

Provides students and faculty from all colleges the opportunity to learn how to ensure future technological advancements consider human, ethical, legal, and social implications.

Cleveland State University SBDC

Offers one-on-one counseling, training, quality-based assessments, technical assistance, and loan information for small businesses

IoT Collaborative

Internet of Things Collaborative acts as a socially responsible partner with communities, industries, and government entities of Greater Cleveland.

Dan T. Moore Maker Space

A design lab for students at Cleveland State University. Provides hands-on equipment for working on metal, wood, and plastic.

Technology Transfer Office

Commercializes ​the University's scientific and technical research findings through efficient evaluation, management, and licensing.

Weston Ideation Lab

​Provides students, faculty, alumni, and residents of Northeast Ohio to test their venture ideas, receive feedback, and develop entrepreneurial skills. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Competitions and Events

Weston Ideation Lab Accelerator Internship Program

An 8-week summer internship program is available for student entrepreneurs seeking assistance in launching their ventures.

Side Hustle 101

Students have the opportunity to hear entrepreneurs share their experiences in starting side businesses and building successful ventures.

Weston Holiday Pop-Up Shop

During Homecoming Week, students present their businesses, allowing them to sell their products.

Community + Innovation + Technology Hackathon

Through collaboration, students have the opportunity to address real-world challenges, generate ideas, develop prototypes, assess designs, and present their solutions.

Startup Vikes

Students can actively engage in entrepreneurship by participating in team pitches, mastering the Lean Launch Pad methodology, and crafting minimum viable products or services.

Every Athlete is a Startup

Cleveland State athletes can learn about entrepreneurship, personal branding, and how to market themselves to start earning a profit. 

Every Film is a Startup

Provides business and film students an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in the film side of business. Students can learn about internships, meet mentors, and more. 

Every Artist is a Startup

Coming soon to Cleveland State University for art and business students. 

EEC & Cleveland State Student Success Stories

Josh Larson

Picture By Air
Josh founded Pictures By Air in 2017 and has garnered high customer satisfaction ever since. With parents in real estate professions, he gained extensive industry exposure.

Donchris Nuwe

CatchApp
Donchris established himself as a founder in the entertainment and tech industries and launched a tool that supports other entrepreneurs, including club owners, musicians, entertainers, and artists.

Cameron Tolbert

Kandle
Cameron, an entrepreneur at heart, now channels his passion into making candles with his business, Kandle. Offering quality candles for families to enjoy, he believes in understanding and meeting the needs of his customers, emphasizing the importance of personalized products for loved ones.​

Academic Programs

Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Open to both business and non-business students at Cleveland State, this program mandates the completion of four entrepreneurship courses.

Entrepreneurship Minor

Non-business and business students can gain experience in different entrepreneurial techniques, such as developing a business plan, using creativity, and developing a new product/venture.

Monte Ahuja College of Business

Learn more about how the College of Business helps build careers and take them to the next level; follow on social media for updates:

Weston Weekly Newsletter

Register to receive updates from the Weston Ideation Lab, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hub within the Monte Ahuja College of Business.

Get in Touch With Cleveland State's Representatives

Colette Hart

Senior Director, Outreach and Engagement Center, EEC Board President
Responsible for developing innovative programs and outreach initiatives that serve students, faculty, alumni, and the Northeast Ohio Community.

Lynn Buchinsky

Business Advisor, Adjunct Faculty
Helps student entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life at the Weston Ideation Lab and is the Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at CSU.