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A Bryant University student talks with someone during a networking night.
The Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center at Bryant University.
A Bryant University student writes on a poster during IDEA.
A Bryant University student looks to post a sticky note to a wall during IDEA.
A group of Bryant University students pitch their solution during IDEA.

Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking

Bryant University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, slated to be located in the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), will be a dynamic environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life. The hub for innovation at Bryant, the center will offer foundational programming and funding support to inspire, educate, connect, and accelerate budding entrepreneurs.

Rooted in the design thinking framework and methodology, the center's programming will catalyze the knowledge, skills, and resources to turn ideas into successful businesses. Together with their foundational Bryant education, the center will support students by helping them create a positive change in society as start-up founders, corporate or social entrepreneurs, and leaders of family businesses.

“Our goal is to create a vibrant ecosystem where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry leaders can collaborate, innovate, and drive meaningful change.” - Kristie DeJesus, Director

Study Entrepreneurship at Bryant

The Entrepreneurship major at Bryant is designed to give students both a theoretical background and applied experience in entrepreneurship. Students engage in courses emphasizing every aspect of building and managing a new enterprise. Students immerse themselves in entrepreneurial endeavors beginning in their first year through IDEA, academic competitions, and co-curricular activities while receiving guidance from inspiring faculty and alumni.

Social entrepreneur and community leader Ed Brady ’06 offers advice to attendees at the 2024 Bryant University Entrepreneurship Conference..
Two people talk in the Quinlan / Brown Academic Innovation Center.
The Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization at Bryant University.

Bryant University Entrepreneurship Conference

Each Spring, the Bryant University Entrepreneurship Conference brings together entrepreneurs from the Bryant campus and beyond to learn from each other through networking opportunities, keynote speakers, focused breakout sessions, and workshops.

Bryant IDEA

Bryant’s Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) provides first-year students with a design thinking crash course where they use creative problem-solving to arrive at innovative solutions. Students are guided in real time by student, faculty, and staff mentors, all volunteers. More than 11,000 students have participated in the program since its inception in 2012.