CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
High Point University Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship drives innovation and supports business ventures, elevating the entrepreneurship program at the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship to new heights of excellence. It emphasizes entrepreneurship, sales, management, and marketing. The center fosters innovation, business creation, and creative thinking. The curriculum is adaptable, keeping pace with current business trends and needs. Students learn new venture concepts through real-world scenarios, informed by the Center’s interactions with the local business community and its esteemed professionals.
Center Activities Include:
Co-working Idea Incubator Space
Funding for Student-Owned Start-ups through Elevator Pitch and Business Plan Training & Competitions
Student Entrepreneur Showcases
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Guest speakers from HPU’s extensive networks
Annual Participation in the national Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization conference
Collaborative Projects with local businesses
Promising Entrepreneur Fund
Membership in Sigma Nu Tau Honor Society
Prototype development and 3D printing
Members of the Sigma Nu Tau Honor Society
Entrepreneurship Funding Support
Promote the creation and development of new ventures at High Point University
Provide support and funding for innovative business ideas from undergraduate students
Develop students’ skills in pitching business ideas and receiving constructive feedback
Develop business ideas and increase venture success probability
Business Plan Competition
Elevator Pitch Competition
High Point University students can compete for cash prizes and pitch their business ideas at the annual Elevator Pitch Competition hosted by the David S. Congdon School of Entrepreneurship. The prize money helps students invest in their business ideas and bring them to life.
Prize Money: Up to $20,000 in total prizes.
Awards: First, second, and third place, plus a Rockstar Rookie award.
Eligibility: Open to any enrolled HPU student, competing individually or in teams.
Pagon Family Promising Entrepreneurs’ Fund
The Pagon Family Promising Entrepreneur’s Fund, established by Kata and Leonard Pagon, supports High Point University students in creating start-up or early-stage companies. These funds offer financial assistance to students at High Point University, enabling them to develop and refine their prototypes. Open to all current students in good standing, the fund aims to invest in the university’s most promising student business ventures.
Support up to 10 students in Entrepreneurship
Funding amounts range from $500 to $1000
Global Entrepreneurship Week
High Point University’s Center for Entrepreneurship celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) with an array of activities, speakers, and events designed to raise the awareness and salute the accomplishments of our student entrepreneurs.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.
“Each November, GEW inspires people everywhere to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.
Millions who had never before considered launching their own ventures soak up advice and inspiration during this week. Hundreds of universities strengthen connections that help them advance ideas and research from their creative labs. Researchers and policymakers engage in discussions around the world to examine the underlying policies necessary to promote entrepreneurial growth.
Meanwhile, world leaders and local elected officials alike have embraced the campaign as they look to fuel the economic engine of high-growth startups in their own countries and communities. GEW is more than an awareness campaign. It is a platform for connection and collaboration engaging all players along the entrepreneurship spectrum in strengthening ecosystems around the world.” gew.com
Student Entrepreneurs
Paige Harms & Jadelyn Coleman, Waggle
Waggle is a digestible stuffing for dog chew toys made from ground rice. The non-toxic dog toy idea was developed by Paige, a finance major, and Jadelyn, a strategic communication major with a minor in business administration.
Mitchell Spencer, Camp Lantern Candle Co.
Camp Lantern Candle Co. was founded to create premium, clean burning candles, with a sustainable outdoor focus. Their candles are crafted using ecofriendly, sustainable materials. They use 100% natural soy wax, premium fragrance oils, and cotton wicks to ensure a clean, long-lasting burn.
Marc Randolph Entrepreneur In Residence, Netflix Co-Founder
Charles Greatrex, CRG Audio
CRG Audio provides users with high end audio products that are also budget friendly for all users to enjoy. CRG Audio’s mission is to provide the best audio at the lowest price point possible.
Neva’eh Harrington, Vaeh’s Eternal Designs
Vaeh’s Eternal Designs offers a unique alternative to fresh flower bouquets with beautifully crafted forever bouquets made from satin ribbon. Their mission is to create timeless creations that celebrate every special moment.
Entrepreneurship Club
A student-run club open to all members of the HPU student body. The club provides the opportunity for members to think and work entrepreneurially with students from many academic disciplines. Students also gain experience by working with local entrepreneurs.
Outcomes
Keegan O’Connor, ’18
Keegan is the Co-Founder and CEO at Chillshark. ChillShark is focused on building quality products enabling people to improve their habits and health.
Eli Sommer, ’24
Eli is the Founder and CEO of Forthright Homes. All Forthright Homes are built on the foundational mission to deliver quality homes at an attainable price, unlocking opportunities to build wealth and create memories under one’s own roof.
Addison Antico and Jordan Ruban
Quentin Barrial, ’24
At 8 years old Quentin drew an “orange juice making machine” and learned that being an inventor is not just something found in TV cartoons. Today, patents, prototypes, marketing, and advising are a part of his daily life.
Charlotte Thompson, ’18
Charlotte’s personal brand, Charlotte from Chicago LLC , has been viewed over 31 million times across multiple platforms. This has resulted in brand partnerships with businesses across the globe in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle space. The power of Charlotte’s storytelling has created User Generated Content (UGC) for companies throughout multiple industries.
Addison and Jordan are the brilliant innovators behind SHIMI –the game-changing formula feeding bottle. With their expertise in marketing, creativity, and innovation, they’re on a mission to make feeding time a breeze for parents everywhere.
Caitie Gehlhausen, ’20
Caitie is the Founder and CEO of Socket Lock-It and CaitieG Event Bags who has made a big impact with her products. Socket Lock-It, now sold in over 3,000 Walmart stores, keeps cards secure and accessible. CaitieG Event Bags follow clear bag policies while keeping your belongings private. As an ardent member of Future Founders, Caitie actively supports and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.
Strategic Partnerships
We owe our success to the invaluable expertise of our Partners. Their contributions are essential in expanding our programs and supporting our student entrepreneurs. We deeply appreciate everything they do.
Business High Point
Entrepreneur Alumni
Entrepreneur Mentors
GTCC Small Business Center
Launch Greensboro
Parents & Friends of HPU
Service Corps of Retired Executives
The City of High Point
Thrive HP
Triad Universities
For more information about the Center for Entrepreneurship, please contact Kathy Elliott, Director at kelliott@highpoint.edu or 336-841-9422
