Programming

Entrepreneurship Education Empowers Everyone

At Drexel University, the Close School of Entrepreneurship offers co-curricular programs that enhance the academic journey of aspiring entrepreneurs. Through funding opportunities and competitions, students apply classroom lessons in real-world scenarios — managing product development, pitching to potential investors and leading teams to achieve their goals.

Funding and Competitions
Entrepreneurship Co-op

Access funding, mentoring and insights into what it takes to build your company, all while expanding your entrepreneurial mindset.

Drexel Startups Fund

The Drexel Startups Fund is a twice-yearly pitch competition that supports student startup ideas.

Impact Innovation Hub

The Impact Innovation Hub empowers Drexel student entrepreneurs who want to tackle important social and environmental issues.

Proving Ground

Student startups at Drexel showcase products, connect and grow at Proving Ground events hosted by the Close School of Entrepreneurship.

Pitch Competitions

The Baiada Institute hosts competitions that provide an educational and experiential approach for students and recent grads to turn ideas into startups.

Programs

Dragon Launch Philly

As part of The Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), Dragon Launch Philly is a unique and high-impactful program leveraging university resources to support community members experiencing poverty who aspire to launch or expand their own businesses. By providing community members with essential resources, training and mentorship, we help empower entrepreneurs to create lasting, positive change.

Apply for Dragon Launch Philly

Dragon Launch Philly.

HER Lab

A skilling and entrepreneurship program that targets young women from hard-to-reach counties, offering support services like mentorship, reproductive and mental health care, and confidence building, among others. Close School students design and deliver entrepreneurship curriculum, providing girls with the skills, confidence and networks to succeed in the labor force and as entrepreneurs.

Kenyan participants and Drexel students pose with a HER Lab banner.

Annual Events

Startup Fest

The Close School’s annual flagship event, featuring pitch competitions, workshops, a vendor expo, networking and funding opportunities that empower students to launch and grow their ventures.

Future Fest

Drexel’s annual celebration of innovation hosted by the Close School of Entrepreneurship, featuring pitch competitions, a startup expo, hackathon and networking events that showcase student ventures and award over $10K in prizes.

Connect with Us

Have questions or would like to know more about our programming? Please reach out!

Melissa Tevere

Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship Starter's Review StartupTree Make a Gift