Center for Entrepreneurship

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the skills, resources and connections to launch and scale their business ideas and build an entrepreneurial mindset. We endeavor to catalyze the commercialization of marketable technologies and translational research, as well as foster connections to the local startup and business communities.

KICKSTART YOUR JOURNEY: Interested in getting involved with us?                                      Fill out our quick intake form and we’ll follow up with personalized ways to plug in.

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Event Calendar - Center for Entrepreneurship:

Venture Lab

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The Venture Lab at the 1819 Innovation Hub, part of UC's Center for Entrepreneurship, offers founders a powerful launchpad with comprehensive programming, non-dilutive funding, expert mentorship, and a vibrant startup ecosystem to turn ideas into scalable ventures. This program is for venture-backable startups. See our dedicated website to our Venture Lab.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

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Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is the act of acquiring an existing business for the purpose of adding value and growth. ETA benefits include leveraging existing customer bases, brand recognition and infrastructure through new leadership, technology, resources and innovation. For more information about upcoming initiatives and Entrepreneurship through Acquisition as a whole, please visit the ETA webpage.

Launch UC

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Launch UC, the Center for Entrepreneurship’s resourced pathway to support small business development, launch and growth. This initiative gives particular focus to supporting businesses in the food and beverage, Ecommerce, and product/consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors.  For more information about Launch UC, visit the dedicated webpage or see below for more opportunities:

Programs

Competitions

Funding

Student Organizations

Resources for All

About

Follow Us

1

What is a startup company?

November 18, 2025

A startup is an early-stage business developing an innovative product to fill a market need. We’ll reveal the telltale signs of a startup, explain how to launch one and mention where to find startup resources.

2

University of Cincinnati named one of the inaugural 'Power 25'

November 14, 2025

The Cincinnati Business Courier's Power 25 highlights a mix of people, companies and organizations that are behind efforts to add population, raise Cincinnati’s profile, create jobs and contribute to the region’s economic strength and vibrancy.

3

Cincinnati crowned ‘America’s Smartland’

November 6, 2025

Inc. Magazine and Fast Company recently named Cincinnati and UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub as centers for “America’s Smartland” due to their innovative partnerships and business-friendly infrastructure.