Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
Accelerating Entrepreneurial Leaders for the Common Good
Nourishing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Entrepreneurship is a philosophy; a mindset that inspires innovation, risk-taking, and seizing opportunities in any form of business venture.
The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) is an active business gymnasium that accelerates "fit for the future" Seattle University students so they can apply entrepreneurship theory and innovation to solve real-life problems, launch new ventures, and advance the common good.
The IEC also actively supports initiatives in micro-enterprise, family business, and student consulting services.
Harriet Stephenson 2024 Business Plan Competition Winners
Congratulations to the Seattle University Credit Union Initiative on winning the 2024 Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition! The Seattle University Credit Union Initiative is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, that is entirely run and operated by students. They aim to not only provide financial products and services to SeattleU and the under-served communities that surround it, but to build long lasting and valuable relationships with our community and our members.
IEC Programs
Albers-SJIM Virtual Competition
Students from across the globe virtually come together to collaborate on solving some of the world's most pressing problems.
Jones Idea Challenge
Work in reverse! A company presents a problem to participating teams and the teams pitch a solution they come up with. Cash prizes are awarded to teams that come up with the best solutions.
Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition
A cornerstone event of the IEC, the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition provides a platform for SU students and alumni to pitch their business ideas.
JPA to Founder Friday
Jones Progress Awards
This rigorous SU alumni business accelerator turns goals into accomplishments by providing a solid infrastructure of grants, mentors, and connections.
Family Business Exchange
FBX is a community of family business owners who gather to engage in education, networking, and professional development tailored specifically to family businesses.
Founder Fridays
Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs about their business journeys, challenges, and what it takes to succeed.
What our students say about the IEC "You can be a freshman and jump right in."
Alejandro Ramirez, '21 Finance and Management
"These programs allow you to engage with people in the business world that you might not be able to interact with otherwise. And if you do get the chance to jump into the business world with the IEC, you don't have to wait until graduation. You can be a freshman and jump right in."
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academic Programs
Get answers to your IEC questions
Amelia Marckworth
Director of Community, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Adjunct Professor, Department of Management
Peter Rowan, MBA, MA
Executive Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Clinical Professor, Department of Management
Lawrence K. Johnson Chair in Entrepreneurship