The University of New Hampshire’s Entrepreneurship Center (ECenter) isn’t just a place for students to grow their big ideas. It is a place where all students become more innovative thinkers and learn valuable skills for any career.
For starters, the ECenter is in downtown Durham and welcomes students from all colleges and majors to get involved with their programs, learn how to become leaders, and develop creative solutions to any problem big or small. It features some great shared spaces for students, including the CubeX Coworking Space, where students can work on homework or get inspiration to work on new ideas, and a student-run Makerspace, where you can use 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and so much more to explore your creativity.
How I got involved
I am currently a junior Animal Science major and I have been a part of the ECenter since my freshman year. I was part of the Idea + Innovation Society, which is a group of freshmen students chosen to be a part of a team that works together to make their ideas come to life. They may start a business or non-profit or invent something new. The Society also builds a community to support each other's creativity and give students the opportunity to learn and participate in events that teach them how to become better leaders and entrepreneurs. We participated in events such as the Boston University Idea Conference, various Idea Creation Bootcamps, and idea competitions within the UNH community and beyond. Since getting involved with the ECenter, I have also participated in the ECenter’s i2 Passport Program, the Holloway Prize (from Paul College) and Maurice Prize Competitions, and attended multiple Alumni Speaker Series events.
The i2 Passport Program is a great way for any undergraduate or graduate student to get involved in ECenter programs and learn more about entrepreneurship. It is also a great way to reduce student loans or receive funding for a new idea as the program gives students the chance to win $25,000 in cash prizes each year. I have been an ambassador for the ECenter, also called an Ebassador, since the beginning of my sophomore year, which means working with a small team of students to help promote ECenter events and motivate Wildcats to get involved. It is very rewarding to share my ECenter experiences and encourage others to join us.
What I’ve learned
I have learned so many valuable lessons from my involvement with the ECenter. I have learned the importance of networking and making connections. Being a COLSA student, I have learned how innovation and creativity can be incorporated into many different fields of study. The ECenter’s programs teach me a different set of skills from what I learn in the classroom. I have also worked on my public speaking and presentation skills through classroom visits as an Ebassador, presenting for various competitions, and participating in the Ideathons. I have gotten the opportunity to meet so many new people from many different majors and I even met one of my roommates through the Idea + Innovation Society!
Top Programs at the ECenter
Below is a list of ECenter Programs with links to more info.
- Idea + Innovation Society
- i2 Passport
- Makerspace
- Maurice Prize
- Internship Opportunities
- Summer Seed Grant
- Idea Coaching
How you can get involved
Idea + Innovation Society applications are emailed to all first-year students before the fall semester starts and I encourage anyone who has started a business or non-profit, is looking to start a business or non-profit, or has any idea to address a problem big or small to apply. Anyone can get involved with the ECenter from any year, college, or major. I would suggest participating in the i2 Passport Program so you can work on your entrepreneurship skills while also being entered for a chance to win cash prizes to pay down your students loans or pay for tuition. Stop by the ECenter to check out the CubeX Coworking Space or the Makerspace! For more information on the ECenter’s upcoming event schedule, check out the ECenter’s website.
