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Campus Spotlight: Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship

According to the U.S. Department of State, November is National Entrepreneurship Month, a time to “celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy.” 

Learn about one institute on campus that supports entrepreneurial endeavors at Case Western Reserve University.

When it comes to “thinking beyond the possible,” Case Western Reserve’s motto extends far beyond the classroom. This innovative spirit can be found in the countless entrepreneurial endeavors to have taken root at the university—and the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship is here to help them grow.

Led by Michael Goldberg, associate professor of design and innovation at the Weatherhead School of Management, the Veale Institute is committed to catalyzing entrepreneurial ideas, accelerating venture creation and connecting people in transformative ways. 

Since its founding in January 2020, the institute has grown and expanded its reach rapidly. With a goal to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Northeast Ohio community, the institute’s team has hosted over 200 speaker series events, launched a fellowship program, created their first credit-bearing course (offered this spring) and connected students with remote internships and opportunities amidst the pandemic.

“There really is something for everyone,” said Goldberg, executive director of the institute. “Whether people are just starting to explore entrepreneurial interests or they already have a business idea and are well on their way to launching a startup, we can assist them with resources and opportunities to enhance that process. With each step of the way, the Veale Institute can offer expertise and guidance.”

Overall, the Veale Institute supports the Case Western Reserve and local community in entrepreneurial pursuits and interests by connecting them with resources, including their startup toolkit, information and guidance from experts and opportunities for connections, competitions, funding and mentorship that has the potential to take businesses, ideas or interests to the next level.

And now, the institute is launching StartupTree, a leading platform and the fastest growing network for university entrepreneurship to assist in their growth. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are encouraged to create an account where they’ll have the opportunity to discover, connect, and collaborate with co-founders, team members, and mentors on their entrepreneurial journey. Anyone interested in joining the entrepreneurial community at CWRU can make an account today.