U News | Wake Forest secures $30 million anonymous gift to advance student entrepreneurship
Kennesaw State University is launching a new rural management concentration for its evening MBA program.
From Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University has received a transformational $30 million gift to expand the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and enhance access and opportunities for undergraduate students in the academic program. The anonymous gift is one of the most significant in the University’s history. The investment will enable Wake Forest to increase the number of experienced entrepreneurship faculty, develop innovative new courses, and fund the construction of state-of-the-art space for the growing program.
“This remarkable support allows us to elevate our Center for Entrepreneurship to new heights, ensuring extraordinary programs and offerings for our students,” said Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente. “This gift – and the inspiration it will spark – are vital to shaping the future achievements of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”
Through the Center for Entrepreneurship, the university will offer students the opportunity to acquire core entrepreneurial skills, gain insights into the legal and financial foundations of new businesses, and collaborate with seasoned professionals to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.
The popularity of Wake Forest’s entrepreneurship program has skyrocketed in recent years with more than 400 students enrolled in entrepreneurship courses this fall. Wake Forest student start-ups have been recognized on “Shark Tank” and featured on “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list.
From Kennesaw State University:
Kennesaw State University is launching a new rural management concentration for its evening Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Fall 2025. The program, which is the first rural management MBA program in the country, will empower rural communities to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for their residents. As a discipline, rural management involves solving challenges around sustainable agriculture, building and maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment.
“Rural counties are experiencing incredible growth right now,” said Renee Bourbeau, Executive Director of MBA programs for Kennesaw State’s Michael Coles College of Business. “These communities have a need for qualified professionals to fill leadership positions in business and government. Kennesaw State is proud to be the first university in the country to offer an MBA program specifically tailored to their unique economic position.”
From Emory University:
Techstars, the world’s most active pre-seed investor, is partnering with The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, and Goizueta Business School’s Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to launch the “Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program.”
Participation is open to all members of the Emory community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Teams need at least one Emory-affiliated member who is actively involved with the start-up and must commit to weekly in-person sessions. Participation in the Founder Catalyst program is free of charge for all founders.
Click here to learn more.
From Morgan State University:
Morgan State University’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center (EDAC) has secured funding to enhance two of its impactful outreach initiatives aimed at advancing the center’s mission.
Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded EDAC $1.5 million to support the “Returning Citizens Inspired to Develop Entrepreneurial Ventures” (RIDE) Entrepreneurship Center and $700,000 for the “Government Certifications Contracting and Matchmaking Solutions Center.” Both programs are designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and assistance to help participants effectively navigate the complexities of the business landscape.
- The RIDE program aims to empower individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. Founded in 2020, RIDE offers comprehensive leadership training designed to promote business ownership and develop community leadership skills. This program specifically targets two groups: individuals recently released from prison and looking to rebuild their lives and those who have been out for a longer time but still encounter significant barriers to employment and economic stability.
- The second program provides needed services, including educating clients on how to secure government contracts, guiding clients through the process of obtaining necessary government certifications, helping clients establish a pipeline for ongoing business opportunities; creating matchmaking opportunities between businesses and government agencies; mentoring clients on business growth strategies; and refer them to additional resources such as the Emerging Leaders program, Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Labor workforce programs, and the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé program.
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