To enhance our existing commitment to the growth and future success of Northeast Ohio, Baldwin-Wallace College has established its Center for Innovation and Growth. Through the Center, we will:
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Utilize our demonstrated strengths in science and business to stimulate and nurture new business development in
the region. -
Produce talented workers for the region who are grounded in both business and science and have practical experience in innovative work environments,
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Help the region attract, develop and retain creative and innovative leaders, and
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Encourage the development of entrepreneurial thinking in new and existing organizations throughout the region.
In making the announcement just prior to the spring Carl Kamm Lecture, B-W President Mark Collier said, “We intend to work collaboratively with partners on campus and in the region to prepare our students for the ever-changing workforce needs. We believe that this Center also will help organizations and enterprises in the region attract, develop and retain creative and innovative leaders, as well as encourage the development of entrepreneurial thinking in existing and new organizations of all sizes.”
“These are vital issues to the future of Northeast Ohio and Baldwin-Wallace College intends to play a significant role in addressing them. There is too much at stake for this College, our community and our region for us to ignore that need,” Collier added.
The Center also will be the locus for a new collaboration between B-W’s Division of Business Administration and its Division of Science and Mathematics.
“We are convinced that the entrepreneurial activity we are seeking will not come from traditional business programs alone,” said Peter Rea, chair of the Division of Business Administration. “The ideas that form the basis of most successful new ventures today are driven by science and technology. What is required, therefore, is to have talent that is trained in both science and business, and that possesses an entrepreneurial bent and a basic understanding of the role of innovation in business growth.
“This is a tall order, but one that we believe Baldwin-Wallace can help meet,” said Rea.
The Center currently is located in Kamm Hall. Among its existing initiatives are:
Business Clinic. More than 100 actual business plans are reviewed each year. Students are trained in business planning, client service and research skills. These student efforts are guided by successful entrepreneurs-in-residence, who come from the ranks of B-W alumni, the B-W Business Advisory Council or friends of the College.
Partnership with Glengary. Glengary, a venture catalyst firm with a focus on Northeast Ohio job development, provides exceptional experiences relating to private equity and business start-ups for B-W students. Glengary has offices on the B-W campus and holds partner meetings here so B-W students and faculty can learn about the challenges and opportunities of early stage businesses.
Five Community Shared Safety Services Study. Working with mayors and community leaders from five southwest Cuyahoga County suburbs, six B-W students and three faculty members are involved in an investigation of ways to improve quality and reduce costs for fire and emergency services. Communities could begin to implement the findings as early as this summer.
President’s Council. The President’s Council is composed of minority CEOs and entrepreneurs with a wide range
of business interests and experience. B-W and the Council collaborate on a yearlong leadership development program to assist council members and nurture minority ownership and development.
“The Center for Innovation and Growth will enable us to take programs like this and both expand them and multiply them,” noted Collier. “In so many ways, it will be learning at its best and service to our community at its best.”
Learn more about the Center for Innovation and Growth.
275 Eastland Rd.