• 250+

    Companies built on KSU research & development

  • +600M

    National impact from KSU Startup Programs

  • 1200+

    Products have reached the market from UGA’s efforts

  • 4000+

    Students impacted by entrepreneurship programs

Welcome to Entrepreneurship at KSU

Welcome to Entrepreneurship at KSU – a dynamic hub where ideas meet opportunity. Whether you’re a student exploring your first startup concept, a faculty member weaving innovation into research and teaching, an industry partner seeking collaboration, or a community entrepreneur ready to launch or grow a business, this is your place to connect. 

Here you’ll find pathways to funding, academic programs, experiential learning, mentorship and partnerships that fuel discovery and impact. From classrooms to research centers, fellowships to real-world ventures, our ecosystem is designed to support you at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey – and to celebrate the creativity, resilience and ambition that drive success. 

lady entrepreneur arriving at meeting

Tell Us About Yourself

ksu entrepreneurial student at work

Student

In Coles College, we provide students with the foundation and resources they need both in and out of the classroom. We help students develop an entrepreneurial midset and learn how to translate that mindset into action by starting their own firm, joining or family business, or being an innovator in an existing firm. 

 

Needs

  • Are you ready to start your own business and need some guidance on how to make that happen or some space to get started?

    Shore Entrepreneurship Center

  • Do you need funding to start your business? The Mookerji fund supports emerging business ventures with up to $30,000 in funding per project, offers consulting and business development resources through the Shore Entrepreneurship Center, and connectsonnecct students and alumni with experienced industry mentors.

     Mookerji Innovation Fund

     

  • Our innovative entrepreneurship curriculum helps students develop an entrepreneurial, action-oriented mindset and skill set that differentiates you as a business owner or future leader in a family firm or corporation. We have Major, Minor, and Certificate options that open the curriculum to students across campus.

    Entrepreneurship Program Overview

  • Entrepreneurship is a full-contact discipline that can't be mastered in the classroom alone. We offer a range of extracurricular programming open to students across campus that helps you translate your entrepreneurial mindset into action. 

    Shore Entrepreneurship Center

Faculty

At Kennesaw State University, faculty and staff play a vital role in cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you're passionate about mentoring student innovators, conducting impactful research, or launching your own venture, there are multiple ways to engage. Through initiatives like the Supporting Student Entrepreneurs program, the Faculty Fellowship in Entrepreneurship, and research opportunities focused on innovation and enterprise, you can help shape the next generation of changemakers. Plus, if you're exploring your own business ideas, KSU offers resources and guidance for starting or funding a business. Join us in building a culture of creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact.

faculty inspiring classroom of potential entrepreneurs

Needs

  • Faculty at Kennesaw State University can play a transformative role in supporting student entrepreneurs by engaging across multiple touchpoints within the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, whether it's through mentoring and coaching, integrating entrepreneurship into coursework or capstone projects, or participating in panels that inspire and educate student entrepreneurs

  • The Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center sponsors the Faculty Fellowship Program which facilitates the Entrepreneurship mindset and skills within their discipline and help promote entrepreneurship across the KSU community

  • Faculty at Kennesaw State University have a unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship through rigorous, publishable academic research. Join a growing community of thought leaders dedicated to generating insights that shape entrepreneurial theory and practice—while positioning your work for publication in top academic journals.

  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR)  - Through SBIR and STTR programs, federal agencies award non-dilutive funding in 2 phases to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization. 

    Georgia Research Alliance - The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) provides non-dilutive grant funding to support the commercialization of university owned IP at Georgia universities. 

students working with partners on entrepreneurial ideas

Industry Partner

Kennesaw State University offers dynamic opportunities for industry partners to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation through collaborative, real-world initiatives. The Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center invites industry partners to work alongside student teams to co-develop creative solutions for industry challenges, bridging academic insight with corporate impact. Corporate partners can also connect with the Office of Research to engage with KSU’s Research Centers, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise to advance innovation across sectors. Whether you're collaborating with student innovators or driving to cutting-edge research, your involvement helps drive KSU’s mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and transformative outcomes.

Needs

  • The Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center supports companies in rapidly changing industries and industries seeking innovation as a strategic competitive component through the Corporate Innovation Entrepreneurship (CIE) initiatives. The CIE provides highly-focused, cross-disciplinary teams for solution development of new products, emerging markets, new business/manufacturing processes, and innovative ideas.

  • Industry leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship at Kennesaw State by sponsoring student projects that tackle real-world business challenges. These collaborations connect companies with talented student teams, guided by expert faculty, to co-create innovative solutions while building a pipeline of future-ready professionals. 

  • Partnering with Kennesaw State University for product and service development offers corporations a powerful strategic advantage.

    Our infrastructure and scientific expertise can bridge critical gaps that corporations may not be equipped to handle internally

     

Alumni & Friends

Alumni and friends of Kennesaw State have a powerful role to play in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you're mentoring student founders, judging pitch competitions, or speaking in classrooms, your experience and insight can spark transformative growth. You can also invest in student ventures, donate to support entrepreneurship programs, or even access startup assistance and funding for your own business ideas. Stay connected through news and events from the Owl Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, and be part of a vibrant community where bold ideas take flight. Your involvement doesn’t just support students—it helps build a legacy of innovation that reaches far beyond campus.

healthcare entrepreneur holding a tablet with ai generated medical diagrams.

Needs

  • Alumni and friends of Coles College at Kennesaw State have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by engaging directly with student-led businesses. Whether you're offering coaching, serving as a judge in pitch competitions, or providing mentorship, your experience and insight can help students turn bold ideas into thriving ventures. By sharing your time and expertise, you not only support future entrepreneurs—you help strengthen the legacy of innovation and excellence at Coles.

  • Alumni and friends of Coles College at Kennesaw Statecan directly fuel the success of student entrepreneurs by investing in student-led ventures. Your support not only provides critical capital—it validates bold ideas, accelerates growth, and empowers the next generation of business leaders. 

  • Sharing your journey, insights, and lessons learned brings real-world perspective to the classroom and energizes students pursuing their own ventures. Your voice can spark ideas, build confidence, and help shape the entrepreneurial mindset that defines the Coles College experience.

  • Your contribution helps fund critical resources, mentorship programs, pitch competitions, and startup incubation—empowering students to turn bold ideas into thriving ventures. Every gift fuels innovation, fosters opportunity, and strengthens KSU’s commitment to developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

     

  • Alumni and friends of Coles College at Kennesaw State can stay engaged with the entrepreneurial community by following news and attending events that showcase student ventures, faculty research, and industry partnerships. From pitch competitions and speaker panels to innovation showcases and networking opportunities, staying informed keeps you connected to the energy and impact of entrepreneurship at KSU—and opens doors to get involved when inspiration strikes.

  • Recent graduates (alumni who graduated less than five years ag)o have the same access to the Shore Center's resources as our current students.

    Alumni who graduated five or more years ago can partner with Hatchbridge for assistance on their entrepreneurial journey. HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development. Our approach combines physical spaces and a digital network to create an inclusive ecosystem, empowering wealth-building opportunities for all in our community.

  • Recent graduates (alumni who graduated less than five years ago)can apply to the Mookerji fund. The Mookerji fund supports emerging business ventures with up to $30,000 in funding per project, offers consulting and business development resources through the Shore Entrepreneurship Center, and connectsonnecct students and alumni with experienced industry mentors.

    Alumni who graduated five or more years ago can seek funding from sources in the greater Atlanta area.

  • Alumni and friends of Coles College at Kennesaw State can take their entrepreneurial journey to the next level through the Executive Education program. Designed for busy professionals, these courses offer practical, high-impact learning to help you start, grow, or scale your business. Led by expert faculty and industry leaders, programs cover essential topics like strategy, innovation, finance, and leadership—giving you the tools to turn ambition into action.

family celebrating the opening of their business

Family Business Owner

At Kennesaw State’s Family Enterprise Center, family business owners gain access to a vibrant community built to educate, support, and elevate their success. Through expert-led workshops, webinars, and programming, you’ll gain insights tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of family-run enterprises. Join peer groups and roundtables that foster shared experience and personalized guidance, and connect, collaborate, and grow alongside other family businesses navigating similar journeys. Stay inspired through signature events, our monthly newsletter, and resources designed to help you thrive. Whether you're seeking strategic support or fresh ideas, the Family Enterprise Center is your partner in building a lasting legacy.

Needs

  • Our educational programs connect family business leaders with expert speakers and facilitators who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of family-owned companies. Through workshops, mini classes, panel discussions, and webinars, we provide knowledge that’s practical, relevant, and immediately applicable—whether you're joining us in person or online.

  • At the Family Enterprise Center, we understand that leading a family business comes with unique challenges. That's why we’ve designed intimate, highly curated Peer Groups—exclusive communities where like-minded business leaders come together to share, learn, and grow.

  • Our Family Enterprise Center Ambassadors are leaders in family-owned businesses who understand both the challenges and rewards of working with those closest to you. Every Ambassador brings unique experiences—both in business and in family—and is committed to helping others navigate the journey. They’re here to share their stories, answer your questions, and help you feel more connected from the very beginning.

  • Our Affiliate Members are professionals who understand the unique dynamics of family-owned businesses. They’re here not to sell, but to support — offering specialized knowledge, practical guidance, and decades of experience serving businesses like yours.

    Whether you're planning a transition, growing your team, or navigating tough decisions, these partners are here to help you ask the right questions, explore your options, and find the path forward.

  • Our newsletter provides a convenient way to stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and success stories in the world of family business. Subscribe today to access valuable resources, connect with industry peers, and take your family business to new heights!

Community Entrepreneur

Kennesaw State University is committed to supporting entrepreneurs from all walks of life—including family business owners, veterans, and those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds—through a robust ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and funding. Whether you're looking to scale your family enterprise, launch a new venture through HatchBridge, or access startup assistance and capital, KSU offers tailored pathways to help you succeed. Engage in educational programming, peer support networks, and collaborative events designed to connect you with experts and fellow entrepreneurs. Stay inspired through our newsletter, and discover how the KSU community can help turn your vision into impact.

community entrepreneur helping her customer

Needs

  • Our objective is to empower individuals in Metro Atlanta who face significant economic, social, and physical barriers. By equipping them with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources to launch sustainable businesses, we strive to make a difference in their lives through entrepreneurship. 

  • HatchBridge Incubator supports North Atlanta entrepreneurs with vital resources for successful business development. 

  • Funding opportunties in the Greater Atlanta Area