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Student Entrepreneurs

Listen to students tell their stories about how their Northeast Ohio University is helping support their entrepreneurial dream.

Start Your Business in Northeast Ohio

More than 50% of people 18-34 indicate they are planning to  or have started a business. And, even if they don’t become an entrepreneur, chances are they may go on to get a job with a young, venture-backed company or work for an established corporation that is taking cues from startups and acting entrepreneurially in an effort to compete in the global economy.

 

We have a vibrant, growing collegiate entrepreneurial ecosystem and there are plenty of great reasons for students to start a business or work for an innovative company in Northeast Ohio. Here are just ten of them:

  1. An array of entrepreneurship education programs are available to ambitious students. Here are a few of the colleges and universities that share a commitment to educating students, alumni, and community members about entrepreneurship and actively contribute to the thriving entrepreneurial community in Northeast Ohio
  2. From the student experiences required of Innovation Fund recipient companies to the database of opportunities available to students through NOCHE/neointern, internships abound in the region.
  3. Want to meet entrepreneurs who are making it happen? There are low cost and free events and meetings (The Gorilla Group, E4S, TiE Ohio, and many others) happening all the time so you can meet other entrepreneurs. Find one you’d like to attend on JumpStart’s event calendar.
  4. There are plenty of entrepreneurial competitions that will let you test your idea, network, and maybe even win the capital you need to get started. In fact, two winners of the LaunchTown competition have gone on to make Bloomberg’s list of the “Top 25 entrepreneurs under 25 in America.”
  5. Not sure of the first steps you need to take to start a business? Free business assistance is available from a variety of sources in the region including small business development centers and the Council of Smaller Enterprises.
  6. Along with capital, connections, and advisors, many entrepreneurs need affordable space in which they can test their technologies and launch their business. Incubators like the Braintree Business Development Center and the Mentor Technology Greenhouse offer just that.
  7. Great technologies come from great centers of research and innovation, and Northeast Ohio has many. The Cleveland Clinic, Kent State University, and Ben Venue Laboratories are just a few.
  8. Here in Northeast Ohio, we’re risk-takers. We’re placing our bets on young, innovative companies and have developed funds to support them at all stages.
  9. There are some pretty impressive tech-based entrepreneurs in the region from whom you can learn, either at a networking event or from hearing their stories of attracting investment, making key hires, pivoting their company, or pursuing a patent.
  10. It’s your chance to be a rock star. Northeast Ohio is eager to gain brains and new businesses. Put your talents to work here and you have a chance to make a real difference in the community.