Entrepreneurial Spirit

Weber State is set to extend its reach in Northern Utah’s entrepreneurial community, thanks to a $718,968 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

As part of its regional economic development initiatives, WSU will use the money to provide personnel and space for community entrepreneurs to apply for microgrants and mentoring to develop their business ideas.

“Maybe you have a great idea, maybe you have a lousy idea, but you don’t know until you put it into action, and that’s exactly what this fund will do,” said James Taylor, WSU Office of Sponsored Projects director. “It will help people put ideas into action.”

The Place for Entrepreneurs

Along with the new program for community entrepreneurs, WSU offers a wide range of programs to support entrepreneurs on and off campus.

• The Wildcat Seed Fund offers grants of hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to help students and faculty kick off or improve their businesses.
• Opportunity Quest and Outdoor Weber allow students to share their business ideas for a chance to win prize money and get advice and support from industry professionals.
• Weber has a running partnership with Startup Ogden, a high-tech space for entrepreneurs, students and other community members to collaborate and work.
• WSU’s Hall Global Entrepreneurship Center, combined with the entrepreneurship minor, creates a climate to encourage campus community members to take risks and test ideas.