![BioLegacy winners holding a check for 20K at the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition 2023](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/500x326/filters:quality(90)/0x206:2048x1541/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/BioLegacy-stretch_Albers-School-of-Business--Economics_Albers-School-of-Business--Economics.jpg)
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.
IEC Programs
![Three office workers collaborating on a project](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/499x0:1501x1333/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/Office-colleagues-overhead-shot_Albers-School-of-Business--Economics.jpg)
Albers-SJIM Virtual Competition
Students from across the globe virtually come together to collaborate on solving some of the world's most pressing problems.
![Chihuly sculpture in Pigott Building](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/599x0:1802x1600/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/AlbersPigottBuilding_yck_059.jpeg)
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.
![Heidi Dishneau doing her pitch at the 2023 Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/499x0:1501x1333/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/SU-PITCH-2023-29.jpg)
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
![Downtown Seattle lights](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/499x0:1501x1333/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/Downtown-Seattle-lights_Albers-School-of-Business--Economics.jpg)
Jones Progress Awards
This rigorous SU alumni business accelerator turns goals into accomplishments by providing a solid infrastructure of grants, mentors, and connections.
![Conference attendees](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/499x0:1501x1333/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/Conference-attendees.jpg)
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.
![Bob Monroe of Figurehead Brewing holding a bottle of their beer](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/382x508/filters:quality(90)/524x0:1246x960/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/albers-school-of-business/student-life/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-center-iec/images/Bob_and_Dubbel-horizontal_Albers-School-of-Business--Economics.jpg)
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, MA
Director of Community, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
Adjunct, Department of Management
![Amelia Marckworth, MA](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/260x300/filters:quality(90)/0x34:720x865/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/directory/faculty-amp-staff-directory/images/albers/Amelia_Marckworth.jpg)
Peter Rowan, MBA, MA
Executive Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Clinical Professor, Department of Management
Lawrence K. Johnson Chair in Entrepreneurship
![Peter Rowan, MBA, MA](https://pxl-seattleuedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/260x300/filters:quality(90)/0x28:576x693/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/directory/faculty-amp-staff-directory/images/placeholders/ProfileDefaultPics-Wordmark.png)