HIGH POINT – Budding entrepreneurs at High Point University now have a way to get their ideas noticed and funded.

The newly opened Plato S. Wilson School of Commerce will be home to the new Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with classes for the university’s entrepreneurship major.

The center will host opportunities for small businesses to partner with students. The goal will be to sharpen professional skills both on campus and in the community, according to university leaders.

Gary Simon, owner of Simon’s Jewelers, started a Business Accelerator Fund to support entrepreneurial projects, but students will have to compete for funding.

“Creating a way for students to move their business venture past the classroom really intrigued me,” Simon said. “The potential grant for a well-planned business venture will hopefully fuel the students’ creativity. With passion and a plan, success is obtainable.”

Entrepreneurship students will learn about e-commerce, marketing, finance and venture capital, inventory management, purchasing, quality control and human resource management.

“The entrepreneurial program coupled with the city of High Point’s core city effort and revitalization plan will provide the perfect incubator for fresh ideas and potentially vibrant new businesses in our area. It is thrilling to be a part of this synergistic relationship,” Simon said.

The Wilson School offers a state-of-the art interactive graphics and financial research center with a Wall Street-style trading room. HPU developed the new program partly for students who want to start a business or work in a family business.

“HPU recognizes the need for entrepreneurial thinking to bring about innovation,” said Jim Wehrley, dean of the Earl N. Phillips School of Business. “Entrepreneurs have competitive advantages in the market due to their speed, creativity, flexibility, responsiveness and innovative spirit.”

dnivens@hpe.com | 888-3626

at a glance

Opportunities: The new HPU program will offer grants for start-up businesses owned by students and experiential learning opportunities with guest speakers.

Work: Students will develop business plans and work on projects for local businesses.