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THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

Vision

The vision of the The William T. and Rita Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is to promote entrepreneurship throughout the university, community, region, U.S. and the world through the dissemination of practical “experiential” and theoretical knowledge, which will benefit society as a whole.

Mission

Promote entrepreneurial spirit and practices essential to the flourishing of free enterprise.

Instruct students and the community on entrepreneurship and provide relevant research, knowledge and tools for effective entrepreneurial participation in a free enterprise system.

Facilitate new and emerging business development for the greater University of Akron community.

Opportunities and Programs

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Opportunities for Students

Students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation have many opportunities to learn more through the Fitzgerald Institute and its partners across campus and in the community.

Degree Programs

Business and non-business majors have the opportunity to learn in a classroom environment about coming up with an idea, describing how that is connected to an opportunity, and understanding what it takes to start and launch that business concept. The two pathways students can take is a Minor in Entrepreneurship or a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

Experiential Programs

Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of experiential programs and activities.

ZipSkills Entrepreneurial Soft Skills Accelerator

ZipSkills is for any undergraduate or graduate student interested in learning more about soft skills connected to entrepreneurship. This is a self-paced program that students can complete from anywhere.

Idea Feedback

Students can schedule a time to meet and discuss business ideas – in many cases we explore the question of where do I start!

No-cost Legal Assistance

The SEED Clinic at the University of Akron School of Law provides no-cost legal and business assistance to undergrad entrepreneurs in areas such as business entity selection and filing requirements, operating agreements, and transaction agreements. Click here to request assistance.

Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund (NEOSVF)

NEOSVF allows students the chance to sit at the investor seat of the table, evaluate proposals of startups for funding, and make investment decisions alongside other students in Northeast Ohio.

Competitions

We regularly host or co-host IdeaLabs in the spring semester as well as the UA $10K Pitch competition in conjunction with the EXL Center, UARF, and the SEED Clinic.

Events and Workshops

We host a variety of events and workshops each year. Sign up for email updates to be notified of what events we are holding.

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Opportunities for Faculty

No-cost Legal Assistance

UA faculty entrepreneurs may qualify for no-cost legal and business assistance from the SEED Clinic at the University of Akron School of Law in areas such as business entity selection and filing requirements, operating agreements, and transaction agreements. Click here to request assistance.

Opportunities for Community

Some of the workshops and events we host are open to everyone. For more information, please feel free to sign up for our mailing list.