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Coleman Entrepreneurship Center


Do good. Do well.

Located in the heart of Chicago, the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center is where you will find real-world guidance about exploring, planning, launching or growing a business. At Coleman, we do good by believing in creating sustainable business models that do well for the organization, community and all stakeholders.

Connecting our DePaul community with the strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chicago provides a hub for you to build, connect and launch your next business. The experiential skills we offer focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in all realms of business.

Be inspired:

  • Build your own business
  • Work at Chicago-area startups.
  • Connect with seasoned entrepreneurs.
  • Find your niche in the city’s business community.
Students at Pitch Madness

Reflecting on 20 Years of Vision and Innovation

Read about the history and future of the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center as we mark 20 years of helping Chicago business thrive.

Read the Article
Bruce Leech Speaks to Dinner Attendees

20th Anniversary Dinner Photo Gallery

Nearly 150 people gathered at the University Club of Chicago to celebrate 20 years of the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center.

See the Gallery

Building Chicago's Businesses

Whether you're in the beginning stages of exploring a new idea or hoping to scale your existing business, our events and programs can take your startup to the next level.

Finalist at Purpose Pitch Competition

Purpose Pitch Competition

Hosted by the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center, the annual Purpose Pitch Competition is a unique pitch session where startups pitch their greater purpose and how they plan to fulfill that purpose through their business objective.

Learn more about Purpose Pitch
Students at Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

Coleman Mentorship Program

The Coleman Mentorship Program offers more than 50 mentors who can help take your business to the next level. Gain one-on-one access to experienced entrepreneurs and business executives while broadening your network.

Learn more about our mentorship program
Learn more about the Halperin Emerging Company Fund

Halperin Emerging Company Fund

Through this fund, DePaul makes equity investments in select start-ups founded by DePaul students and alumni, and community entrepreneurs who have completed DePaul business accelerator programs.

Learn more about the Halperin Fund
Student at Student Innovation Expo

Entrepreneurship at DePaul

The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center's blog, Entrepreneurship at DePaul, features stories from DePaul students, alumni, faculty and small business owners, and also highlights educational resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Entrepreneurship at DePaul

“As CEO of CommuterAds, I look back often at the lessons learned both at The Coleman Center and my degree earned at Kellstadt’s Graduate School of Business. The Coleman Center was instrumental in the early development of my fledgling startup. The entrepreneurial skills and tangible tools you will gain from Kellstadt’s Graduate School of Business will help you conceive and launch your business startup.”

Russ (MBA ’11)
CEO, CommuterAds

Russ, DePaul Entrepreneurship MBA alum  

Highly Ranked Academic Programs

DePaul's entrepreneurship academic programs support aspiring business leaders and innovators through a unique combination of classroom and real world learning.

No. 18

Princeton Review, top 20 graduate entrepreneurship programs nationally, 2022

No. 34

Princeton Review, top 50 undergraduate entrepreneurship programs nationally, 2022

Top 30

Poets&Quants, Best MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship, 2022

 
 

Bruce Leech

Executive Director
Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

"Our programs complement our educational curriculum and focus on developing an entrepreneur's mindset to think creatively. We are here to support the DePaul community in their entrepreneurial pursuits and further connect them with the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chicago.”

Support the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

Philanthropic support helps provide us with the financial resources to advance our mission. Discover ways to give to the CEC or give online by clicking the button below.

Give to the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

Contact Us:

If you have any questions or comments, contact us at cec@depaul.edu or (312) 362-8625.

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