Don’t Just Find a Career—Create It
Calling all entrepreneurs! The Elmhurst University Entrepreneurship Initiative is your resource for learning about launching a new business.
Through sharing ideas and learning from others, we will champion the entrepreneurial spirit at Elmhurst and in its surrounding communities. All students are encouraged to take advantage of what this initiative has to offer:
- Guidance, coaching and mentoring from our Entrepreneur in Residence
- “Bluejay Tank” pitch competition
- Speaker series and other virtual and live events
- Networking and ideating with other entrepreneurs in your area of interest
- A student-run entrepreneurship club
Have an idea for an app, product or business? Ever wondered about what goes into a startup? This space is for you.
Learn from Experienced Entrepreneurs
Students have the unique opportunity to learn from and work with Entrepreneur in Residence Patrick Yanahan ’94, MBA ’10. In addition to his business know-how, Patrick can help students find resources and make connections in order to pursue their interests.
Virtual Think Space
The Elmhurst Entrepreneurs Virtual Think Space exists for students to share their thoughts and plans regarding entrepreneurial ideas and concepts. Join us on Tuesdays throughout the Fall semester from 4:00–6:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.
Entrepreneur in Residence Hours*
- Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (A.C. Buehler Library, Room 016)
- Fridays, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (virtually)
- Students can make appointments via phone call (contact the WCPE), by emailing patrick.yanahan@elmhurst.edu, or through their Handshake accounts
*During the academic year.
Upcoming Events
Elmhurst Entrepreneurs Lunch and Learn
- Daisy and Alex Betance
Virtual lunchtime Q&A with Elmhurst University alumni: Launching Your Own Startup in the Clean Lifestyle Products Market
Nov. 18, 2020, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Join the Q&A
Elmhurst Entrepreneurs Lunch and Learn
- Nick Bank
Bank will share the lessons he learned as he launched two businesses while at Elmhurst
Dec. 2, 2020, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Join the discussion
Past Events
How Student’s Entrepreneurial Idea Became Bili Blankets for Africa
Virtual event with Matt Glucksberg
Nov. 11, 2020, 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Replay This Event- Tim Palmer
CyberSafe 360 founder Palmer shared his thoughts about starting a company in the IT security realm.
Oct. 28, 2020
Replay this Lunch and Learn - Bluejay Tank Pitch Competition
Virtual event featuring students’ ideas for business and entrepreneurship.
Oct. 21, 2020
Watch the Bluejay Tank Replay - Why Diversity in Entrepreneurship Matters
Virtual event with Christina Hamilton, Melissa Villanueva and Angela Howard
Oct. 7, 2020
WATCH the Panel replay - Elmhurst Entrepreneurs Lunch and Learn
As the founder of HomeWatch Caregivers, Dennise Vaughn will share information on starting a business in senior care.
Sept. 30, 2020
Watch the Lunch and Learn replay - How I Became a Successful Entrepreneur via Robots
Virtual event with Jerome DuBois, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 6 River Systems
Sept. 24, 2020
Watch the robot replay - How Economic Downturns Create Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Virtual event with Mitch Harris, owner of Strongbox Fitness in Glen Ellyn
April 16, 2020 - What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur
Meet and Greet with Mark Heintz
Feb. 19, 2020
Mark Heintz
About Elmhurst Entrepreneurs
Vision
To create and champion an entrepreneurial spirit at Elmhurst University and its surrounding community.
Mission
To foster an ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurial aspirations and guides executions to future success by providing the necessary knowledge, resources and mentorship.
Partners
The University thanks PNC Bank and Innovation DuPage for their partnership.
