Entrepreneurship

Listen to what Arnold D'Ambrosio, Vice President of Alumni and Advancement for Northwood University, has to say about Northwood Entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurship major focuses on business enterprise models and entrepreneurial bases. By combining a rigorous academic curriculum, leadership development, experiential learning, and relationships with industry leaders, graduates prepare to become tomorrow's entrepreneurs.

Experience Free Enterprise

EntrepreneurshipSociety Northwood University was founded on the principle that America's free enterprise system, together with an entrepreneurial spirit, can create a bigger pie for all to share. We believe the entrepreneurial spirit can and should be taught to all generations, as it is the foundation of a free society. 25% of Northwood University graduates are business owners within a few years after graduation.

Entrepreneurs lead innovation and change. Entrepreneurs manage the risks that are essential for a prosperous economy. Northwood honors the triumphs of entrepreneurs by cultivating a new generation of achievers that are ready to launch their own enterprises.

Entrepreneurship Facts...

More than 90 percent of all business enterprises in the United States are family-owned, and 35 percent of Fortune 500 companies are family firms.
The greatest part of American's wealth lies with family-owned businesses.
All Northwood University students receive a no-cost subscription to the Wall Street Journal.
The leadership of 43 percent of family businesses will change by 2010. One quarter of all family firms expect their next CEO to be a woman. The average life span of a family owned business is just 24 years.
Family businesses account for 78 percent of all new jobs, 60 percent of the national employment, 50 percent of the gross domestic product, and 65 percent of all wages paid.

Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise

The Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise has been working hard to enhance our students' experiences and reward their efforts by adding new programming, events and networking opportunities. The goal of the center is to hone student skills and help them make valuable business connections. The Entrepreneur in Residence program marks one of the highest contributions we have made to the success of our collegiate entrepreneurs.

Supporting Programs offered by the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise

Programs are offered by the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise to help build upon the curriculum offered in this degree. These programs are available to all entrepreneurially minded students.

Entrepreneurial Roundtables

Entrepreneurial Roundtables create a forum that brings 12 to 14 entrepreneurs, both successful and seasoned alumni entrepreneurs together with recent alumni and student entrepreneurs, and provide an environment for a most relevant discussion on the topic of entrepreneurship. It is our intention to engage participants in a way that will put Northwood University on the map of entrepreneurial dialogue, expertise, and academics.

Entrepreneur in Residence

The Entrepreneur in Residence progam offers student entrepreneurs an extraordinary opportunity to benefit from the experiences of a successful entrepreneur. The Entrepreneur in Residence provides a willing, enthusiastic and open attitude coupled with one-on-one availability to help our students turn their dreams into realities.

Students are invited to request one-on-one meetings with the Entrepreneur in Residence to help develop their business goals and to utilize resources available both on and off campus.

Entrepreneurial Society

The Northwood University Entrepreneurship Society was created to bring individuals together in network where their entrepreneurial ideas and concepts for enterprise can be supported and accelerated. With the help of one another, the society will foster the future leaders of a free enterprise system… growing both knowledge and character to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

Business Pitch Competition

Students prepare and pitch their business ideas and can win cash prizes to help them seed their business. This event happens in Winter and is available for all student participation.