Impact of Hotel Incubator Space and Student Seed Capital at the Undergraduate Level

Michael Lehman & Demitri Patitsas, Juniata College

The Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (JCEL) has developed an innovative approach to supporting undergraduate entrepreneurs. In this session, the specifics of this model program are shared with conference participants as an effective way of supporting their own undergraduate business visionaries. Hotel-style business incubator space is available to student entrepreneurs for as little as five days a month; as business activity increases, tenants can increase their frequency of use. Demand for office space arises in part from student businesses funded through a Student Seed Capital Fund. Students may each secure up to five thousand dollars in exchange for a 10% equity position that Juniata would hold in the company. Alternatively, students may apply for business start-up loans of up to two thousand dollars. The presenters share challenges experienced in developing the program and recommends steps others can take in setting up a similar program offering.