BioLegacy winners holding a check for 20K at the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition 2023

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

Accelerating Entrepreneurial Leaders for the Common Good

Nourishing the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Entrepreneurship is a philosophy; a mindset that inspires innovation, risk-taking, and seizing opportunities in any form of business venture.

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) supports all students and alumni of Seattle University on their journey from ideation through business launch and scale. With a suite of programs, we are here to support innovators and entrepreneurs at any stage.

The IEC also actively supports initiatives in micro-enterprise, family business, and student consulting services.

IEC Programs

Three office workers collaborating on a project

Albers-SJIM Virtual Competition

Students from across the globe virtually come together to collaborate on solving some of the world's most pressing problems.


Open to: Any SU Student

Fall Quarter

Chihuly sculpture in Pigott Building

Jones Idea Challenge

Work in reverse! A company presents a problem to participating teams and the teams pitch a solution they come up with. Cash prizes are awarded to teams that come up with the best solutions.


Open to: Any SU Undergrad

Winter Quarter

Heidi Dishneau doing her pitch at the 2023 Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition

Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition

A cornerstone event of the IEC, the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition provides a platform for SU students and alumni to pitch their business ideas.


Open to: Any SU Student or Alum

Winter-Spring Quarters

JPA to Founder Friday

Downtown Seattle lights

Jones Progress Awards

This rigorous SU alumni business accelerator turns goals into accomplishments by providing a solid infrastructure of grants, mentors, and connections.


Open to: Any SU Alumni

Fall-Spring Quarters

Conference attendees

Family Business Exchange

FBX is a community of family business owners who gather to engage in education, networking, and professional development tailored specifically to family businesses.


Open to: Any Family Business

Year-Round

Bob Monroe of Figurehead Brewing holding a bottle of their beer

Founder Fridays

Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs about their business journeys, challenges, and what it takes to succeed.


Open to: Everyone!

Fall-Spring Quarters

What our students say about the IEC "You can be a freshman and jump right in."

Alejandro Ramirez, '21 Finance and Management

"These programs allow you to engage with people in the business world that you might not be able to interact with otherwise. And if you do get the chance to jump into the business world with the IEC, you don't have to wait until graduation. You can be a freshman and jump right in."

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academic Programs

Program Directory

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor

    Minor

    Broaden your perspective and future impact in any area of undergraduate study by minoring in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Select electives to match your interests.

    • Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Minor

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Certificate

    Professional

    Learn the critical strategies and skills to launch, manage and lead innovative programs and organizations with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

    • Certificate

Get answers to your IEC questions