The economic role of entrepreneurship, the attributes of successful entrepreneurs, and the ethical, technical and managerial challenges of new venture creation are studied. In addition, the role of technological innovation and of market and business life-cycles and change are examined as major sources of opportunity.

A focus on primary research and the importance and value of new and unexpected information is combined with the traditional tools of market analysis and business strategy to foster a learning-by-doing environment that embraces change and builds an entrepreneurial mindset.  An introduction to entrepreneurial finance is extended to include the role of both debt and equity in growing ventures, and the examination of a wide spectrum of funding sources from grants and loans to angels and venture capital.  Student accomplishment is measured in part by the rigorous review of proposed business plans and websites.

The Lehigh University environment includes several programs, organizations, and areas of activity relevant to entrepreneurship minor including:

• Visiting Entrepreneurs
• Ben Franklin Technology Partners
• Small Business Development Center
• Student Entrepreneurs Club
• MBA Entrepreneurship Track/v-Series certificate
• Student project incubator
• Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) & Integrated Product Development (IPD) programs
• Lehigh University Technology Transfer Center

Student teams are able to pursue their individual ideas for ventures through an entrepreneurship practicum, and encouraged to compete for additional external funding through participation in local and national business plan competitions.

 

   

College of Business and Economics
Lehigh University • 621 Taylor Street, Rauch Business Center, Bethlehem, PA 18015 • (610) 758-3400