Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
The Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is a national consortium and resource hub focused on enhancing entrepreneurship education and empowering entrepreneurs around the country.
In October 2021, PNC announced a $16.8 million, five-year grant to launch the National Center, which works collaboratively to coordinate programs and initiatives for entrepreneurs through the nation's network of 101+ HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
The National Center supports the launch, growth and acquisition of business ventures by providing access to programs, capital, curriculum, research, skills training, events and other resources.
Through this work and network of institutions, the National Center not only impacts students, faculty, staff and alumni, but also reaches business owners and investors in the community, all with the collective goal of empowering an ecosystem for the next generation of entrepreneurship
The National Center is headquartered at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and includes four regional centers. Each of these regional hubs coordinates and collaborates with HBCUs and communities across a four- to six-state footprint.
- Mid-Atlantic Region: Howard University
States: D.C., DE, OH, PA, VA, WV - Southeast Region: Clark Atlanta University
States: GA, FL, AL, VI - Mid-South Region: Morgan State University
States: MD, NC, SC, KY, TN - Southwest Region: Texas Southern University
States: TX, OK, MS, LA, AR, MO
The cornerstone program of the National Center, this annual gathering connects entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, students and scholars with the networking and learning opportunities to build their skills and grow business ventures. The conference features nationally known speakers, workshops, panel discussions, events, a maker marketplace, a resource fair, award presentations and more.
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The Entrepreneurship Education Innovation Grant Program supports HBCUs in developing entrepreneurship opportunities. This grant provides $25,000 in funding for the creation and growth of entrepreneurship courses, centers, programs, workshops and other initiatives that benefit students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community.
Our Programs
Faculty Programs
- The Faculty Fellowship Program
Supports HBCU faculty members through $10,000 awards for conducting innovative and impactful research, producing peer reviewed articles, and developing other content that addresses entrepreneurship challenges, explores new frontiers and advances knowledge. - The HBCU Entrepreneurship Education Institute
This initiative shares best practices in teaching entrepreneurship in partnership with the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable. The institute has created a web-based repository of educational materials, a webinar series and an online forum for collaboration.
Student Programs
- The Startup Scholars Program
The next generation of HBCU student entrepreneurs around the country is supported by up to $10,000 in funding, one-to-one mentorship, business management workshops and networking events. - The HBCU Consulting Lab
This eight-week program connects HBCU seniors and MBA students with local businesses on consulting projects, including digital marketing strategies, financial data analysis, consumer and competitive analysis, and marketing content creation.
Community Entrepreneur Programs
- The Idea-to-App Accelerator
This 15-week program is led by experts and designed to help first-time and non-technical entrepreneurs build and grow a successful tech application. - Ready, Set, Launch
This five-week social entrepreneurship bootcamp equips participants with the tools to design and launch a nonprofit or venture that impacts community. - Startup Skills Academy
A series of noncredit “courses” and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs at any stage learn relevant systems, software and tools for their venture to thrive in the digital economy. - Dreams to Dollars
Our monthly webinar series features conversations with trailblazing founders, creators and change-makers who share their strategies, setbacks and successes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship?
The Center is a national hub for entrepreneurship education, innovation and ecosystem building, created through a partnership between Howard University and the PNC Foundation. The Center supports students, alumni and faculty, as well as community entrepreneurs, through programs such as business pitch competitions, workshops and webinars, accelerator and incubator support, entrepreneurship curriculum development, and faculty training.
Is the Center only for Howard University?
While headquartered at Howard University, the Center’s reach and structure is national. We support entrepreneurs across the country through partnerships, curriculum and programming. We also have regional hubs at Morgan State University (Baltimore), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), and Texas Southern University (Houston).
Who can participate in the Center’s programs?
The Center provides a variety of programs for students, alumni, faculty and community entrepreneurs. While specific programs may have criteria around the stage of business, industry or student status, many of our online webinars, in-person events and workshops are open to anyone.
How can community members or entrepreneurs outside of a college/university connect with the Center?
The Center has many programs and events available for community entrepreneurs. This includes in-person events such as our annual national conference, online webinars, and programs such as our Social Enterprise Bootcamp or Idea to App Accelerator.
Are there opportunities for faculty and educators?
Yes. The Center provides training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to integrate entrepreneurship into teaching and applied research, including through our Entrepreneurship Education Institute and Faculty Fellows programs.
Do I have to be an HBCU alumni to participate in programs?
You do not have to be an HBCU alumni to participate in the Center’s programs. We welcome and encourage participation and application to applicable programs from anyone who might be best served by the specific offerings.
Does the Center provide one-on-one business coaching or technical assistance?
The Center does not provide one-on-one business coaching or technical assistance, outside of select mentorship hours for specific programs such as our Startup Scholars or Prime Incubator programs.
Does the Center provide funding or grants to entrepreneurs?
Yes. The Center generally provides funding through pitch competitions or participation in specific programs with financial awards included. Specific eligibility requirements for each program are included in program descriptions provided on the Center’s website. The Center does not have an ongoing grant-funding program for entrepreneurs.
What role does PNC play in the Center?
The PNC Foundation provides financial support to the Center. Neither PNC nor the PNC Foundation plays a role in determining who receives funding or grants through the Center’s pitch competitions or participation in specific programs; these decisions are made solely by the Center.
How can corporations or organizations partner with the Center?
Organizations can partner through sponsorships, program collaborations, procurement opportunities for entrepreneurs, and direct investment in entrepreneurship initiatives.
How can I contact the Center for more information?
For further inquiries, partnerships or program details, email hupnc_center@howard.edu.