A robust and innovative entrepreneurship program is essential to a high quality college of business. The Center for Entrepreneurship at UNT is committed to expanding the appreciation for the entrepreneurial mindset across all academic disciplines as well as in the North Texas community. To achieve this objective, the Center offers instruction and business plan advice across campus, assists with the development of discipline-specific entrepreneurial curricula, and sponsors, among other initiatives, the New Venture Creation Competition, the IDEA competition, and the Entrepreneur's Boot Camp. A $5 million gift to name the center and fund these initiatives, coupled with the existing Entrepreneurs in Residence program, will position the Center to become one of the premier entrepreneurship programs in the state.
To enhance and provide research in the discipline at UNT, in addition to the solid foundation of programs offered on-campus and in the community, the college will establish an endowed chair and several fellowships for faculty in non-business disciplines to enhance the level of scholarship produced at UNT.
Areas of Impact
ENDOWED CHAIR IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
To lead a robust and innovative entrepreneurship program requires an experienced chair in entrepreneurship. An endowment would invite a high-quality scholar to enhance research and provide leadership for junior faculty.
Endowment: $1,500,000 Annual Support: $60,000
ENTREPRENEURIAL FACULTY FELLOWS
This initiative involves the training of 4 UNT faculty members annually (priority given to non-business disciplines) to develop new courses in entrepreneurship or incorporate entrepreneurship into existing ones.
Endowment: $500,000 Annual Support: $20,000
NEW VENTURE CREATION CONTEST
This annual business plan competition is offered to all full time students. Approximately 30 students participate in this competition every year and three are selected to receive cash awards for their ventures ranging from $5,000 - $25,000.
Endowment: $1,000,000 Annual Support: $50,000
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
An endowment of this scholarship program will enable the center to include students minoring in entrepreneurship or students majoring in fields other than business.
Endowment: $750,000 Annual Support: $30,000
KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE ANNUAL CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP LUNCHEON
One of the most impactful events that UNT conducts every year is the Entrepreneurship Center Annual Luncheon. An endowment to fund speakers will allow us to continue featuring high-quality individuals, without straining or impairing center funds, such as Ross Perot, Jeb Bush, General Norman Schwarzkopf and Nolan Ryan.
Endowment: $2,500,000 Annual Support: $100,000
ENTREPRENEURS BOOT CAMP
Every summer a “boot camp” for aspiring entrepreneurs is offered on-campus. With only 12 openings available for applicants, many students and community members are turned away. Endowing this program will allow the center to expand offerings to include additional participants.
Endowment: $1,250,000 Annual Support: $50,000
Bold Goal Alignment: Goals 1, 2, 3 (student support and service to constituencies), and 4 (building and expanding mutually beneficial partnerships and resources)
Campaign Theme Alignment: Themes 1, 2 and 3
