Chapman University’s Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics has recently been selected as the Inclusive Innovation Hub for Orange County, thanks to the support of the 2023 Accelerate California Round 2 Grant Award. This $1 million grant, disbursed over four years, will enable the Leatherby Center to focus on fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities, including female founders, people of color, and veterans. The mission of the Inclusive Innovation Hub goes beyond just promoting economic growth; it aims to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape.
The announcement of the 2023 Accelerate California Round 2 Grant Award, administered by the California Office of Small Business Administration (CalOSBA), aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s objectives to promote economic development and empower underserved communities. This grant represents a significant step towards increasing the representation of these underserved groups in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, addressing disparities in access to funding and resources.
Statistics show that female founders represent 49% of all startups but receive only 3% of venture capital funding. First-generation immigrants start businesses at a 27% higher rate than non-immigrants. Orange County is home to more than 64,000 veterans, who often face challenges in finding employment but possess valuable skills that make them prime candidates for entrepreneurship.
Cynthia West, Ph.D., Director of the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, expressed gratitude for being chosen for the grant award. She emphasized the center’s commitment to coaching and supporting female founders, people of color, veterans, and other underrepresented populations to compete for investment funds or start businesses that provide economic independence. The Leatherby Center is eager to collaborate with the broader community to achieve its goals.
The Inclusive Innovation Hub will serve as a crucial resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background. With a focus on the Orange County community, the grant allows the Leatherby Center to extend its support beyond Chapman University, reaching out to a wider audience.
The programs offered by the Inclusive Innovation Hub at Chapman University include Entrepreneurship Preparation, Mentorship Program, Entrepreneurs in Residence, and Startup Cohort. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills, provide mentorship from professionals in the community, offer guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and help turn ideas into reality through a semester-long program culminating in the Panther Cage Competition.
Chapman University, founded in 1861, is a nationally ranked private university located in Orange, California. With nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Chapman offers a personalized education with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university is known for its distinguished faculty, including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, published authors, and Academy Award winners. Chapman’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its high research activity designation and its reputation for producing Rhodes Scholars and Fulbright Scholars.
The Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics at Chapman University aims to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of talent with an entrepreneurial mindset. Through hands-on experience, the center teaches students how to innovate, take risks, and develop their own ventures. By fostering entrepreneurship and ethical business practices, the Leatherby Center prepares students to succeed as future global citizens in the world economy.
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