Resources for Entrepreneurs
Launching and running your business takes work. The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center aims to guide you through each step of this process through various events, programming and partnerships. Browse some of the entrepreneurship resources below.
Community Partners
1871
The CEC’s collaboration with 1871 connects DePaul’s entrepreneurial community to Chicago’s thriving startup ecosystem, including access to collaborative workspaces, workshops, and networking opportunities with hundreds of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Chicago Innovation
Chicago Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, connecting, and celebrating innovators across the Chicago region. As a Bronze-level sponsor, the CEC can connect DePaul students with Chicago Innovation’s events, networking opportunities, and innovation-focused programming to help support their entrepreneurial growth.
TechNexus
The CEC’s collaboration with TechNexus connects DePaul students with Chicago’s startup ecosystem through mentorship, networking, and real-world venture insights.
Entrepreneur and Family Business Council
Operating out of the CEC, the Entrepreneur and Family Business Council is an organization that supports family businesses and other closely held companies through peer forums, educational programming, and leadership development. Members gain practical insights, build meaningful relationships, and learn from the shared experiences of fellow leaders.
2112
All DePaul students and faculty have access to our office space and programming at 2112. Check out the workshops and events that are available.
Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC)
ISTC is a member-driven nonprofit organization that cultivates technology-based economic development throughout Illinois, offering mentorship programs and startup challenges for students and entrepreneurs. All DePaul students & faculty have access to their programming and events.
mHUB
mHUB is an innovation center and maker space for physical product development and manufacturing. Members create breakthrough products in robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy tech, medical devices and other cutting-edge innovations. Email cec@depaul.edu for membership details.
Competitions
Purpose Pitch Competition
The annual event is a unique pitch session where startups pitch their greater purpose and how they plan to fulfill that purpose through their business objective.
Student Innovation Expo
Student Innovation Expo gives DePaul undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to showcase innovative business ideas, receive feedback from the DePaul community, and compete for a share in $5,000 of scholarship award money.
Pitch Madness
Powered by the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center, University Pitch Madness brings together student entrepreneurs from universities across the Midwest to showcase their ventures, connect with fellow founders, and compete for a share in $25,000 of prize money!
Student Organizations
Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO)
CEO is the premier entrepreneurship network with chapters on university campuses across North America and beyond. CEO currently supports entrepreneurship in over 250 chapters in all 50 states and worldwide. The nonprofit hosts global conferences, competitions and events aimed at helping students discover opportunities through enterprise creation. Get connected with CEO.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO)
PE/VC is a club dedicated to education, networking, and careers in private equity and venture capital. If you're interested in joining and learning more about the Private Equity Venture Capital student club at DePaul, please email DePaulEVC@gmail.com or visit our LinkedIn.
Faculty Advisor: Jason Jacobsohn | Founder and Managing Partner, Propellant VenturesPrograms & Events
Throughout the year, the CEC hosts a series of programs and events aimed at exposing you to Chicago's entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping you launch your business.
Mentorship
Open to all DePaul students alumni and community members, the Coleman Mentorship Program offers more than 50 mentors who can help take your business to the next level.
Media Resources
Entrepreneurship at DePaul
Entrepreneurship at DePaul, a blog managed by CEC, features stories from DePaul students, alumni, faculty and small business owners, and also highlights educational resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Windy Napkin Podcast
The CEC's Windy Napkin podcast highlights the entrepreneurial stories of DePaul students, alumni, faculty and small businesses throughout Chicago. Each episode is geared toward educating, inspiring and influencing entrepreneurs and businesses to do good and do well.