Kent State University

Location: Kent, OH | Institution Type: Public | Student Population: 20,418 (Fall 2022)
Kent State University is a public research institution known for its diverse academic offerings and research initiatives. With a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning various fields, Kent State University is a respected institution fostering education, innovation, and academic excellence in Ohio.

Entrepreneurship Programs and Resources

Kent State University LaunchNET

The LaunchNET office, located in the Burton D. Morgan Foundation Entrepreneurship Suite within the Design Innovation Hub, is a resource hub with a team of experienced entrepreneurs. They offer guidance and support to clients at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from concept development to execution. Their services include one-on-one meetings, workshops, connecting clients with community resources, and facilitating participation in competitions and funding opportunities, catering to a diverse range of innovators and entrepreneurs within the Kent State community, including students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Design Innovation

The Design Innovation initiative at Kent State University serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together students, faculty, and experts from various fields to address the intersection of technology and society through innovative design strategies. Through a combination of coursework, co-curricular projects, competitions, hackathons, and grand challenges, Design Innovation empowers students to become creative, multidisciplinary problem solvers who fearlessly tackle complex challenges, utilizing a "challenge-based innovation" approach.

John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo
​Center for Entrepreneurship

Since 1969, retired Chairman and CEO of Cliffs Natural Resources, John Brinzo, has been a dedicated philanthropist to Kent State University. His contributions have notably grown, focusing on the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, resulting in establishing the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship. This center offers diverse services to support entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting Brinzo's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at Kent State.

EEC & Kent State Student Success Stories

Grace Irvin Dillard

Touched by Grace
Grace recognized the universal appeal of soap and launched her business with sudsy bar soaps. Expanding beyond soap, Touched by Grace now offers a range of plant- and science-based personal care products for face and body, including cleansers, serums, and toners.

Luke Leyden

Trodler
Luke, founder of Trolder, specializes in creating modern electronic kits suitable for individuals of all ages, interests, and proficiency levels; he is dedicated to merging his passion for technology with his creative pursuits.

Anne Skoch

Anne Cate
Through her brand, Anne Cate, she brings joy to people with Made in America accessories, specializing in skyline silhouette purses and simplistic accessories. Established in 2016, the Anne Cate skyline collection boasts over 100 hand-designed skylines, capturing the city skylines.

Yayra Tamakloe

The P.A.L. Project
Recognizing the identity gaps stemming from colonial influences in Ghana and inconsistent representations of Black culture in the American education system, she embarked on a mission to document and educate others about cultural identity. This vision culminated in the birth of The Pan-African Library Project.

Academic Programs

Entrepreneurship - B.B.A.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship equips students with an academic foundation and practical experiences to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. This program focuses on honing students' ability to identify market opportunities, make strategic decisions, and create value for customers while operating under resource constraints. Through hands-on experiences, such as launching their businesses, assisting entrepreneurs, and engaging with experienced business leaders, students gain a profound understanding of entrepreneurship. The program offers the flexibility for students to integrate their education by applying to the M.B.A. program early, a valuable opportunity for those aspiring to excel in the field of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship Minor

The Entrepreneurship minor is an addition for students majoring in business. This minor fosters creativity, passion, and a unique approach to identifying opportunities and challenges while emphasizing persistence and wealth creation in the business world, whether as an owner or an employee. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and engagement with local entrepreneurs, students gain practical experience and preparation for diverse entrepreneurial avenues, including business startups, acquisitions, corporate entrepreneurship, or employment in small businesses.​

Get in Touch With Kent State's Representative

Zach Mikrut

Director of LaunchNET
Email: [email protected]
​Phone: 330-672-6782