Academic Programs

Experiential Learning

The "Pitch" Contest
This opportunity provides aspiring future entrepreneurs the chance to develop a business plan and present it to a team of outside reviewers from the business community. The business concept deemed the best will win "seed capital" to help with initial start-up costs for the business. This contest is open to all students at Roanoke College. This is the Roanoke College version of Shark Tank.

CLEI Monthly Speakers
Select speakers who are successful entrepreneurs will be invited to campus to share their experiences with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public. This series will focus on specific entrepreneurial topics such as: "women and entrepreneurship," "starting a business as a result of adversity," "social entrepreneurship," etc.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO)
This is a student organization on campus that is focused on helping like-minded future entrepreneurs connect and share ideas. Chapters of CEO are on over 200 campuses throughout North America.

Sound Board Sessions
All students at Roanoke College that have a potential business concept will be encouraged to contact the Center Director to arrange a "sounding board" meeting in order to gauge the concepts initial viability. The Center Director will serve as a "sounding board" for the student.

Entrepreneur in Residence
Each year a successful entrepreneur will be awarded the symbolic title of Entrepreneur in Residence. This individual will engage with Roanoke College students in a variety of ways from guest speaking to mentoring opportunities.