Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub (E&I-Hub) at Sonoma State University
Unearth the true essence of entrepreneurship and innovation at Sonoma State University's E&I-Hub in the School of Business and Economics (SBE). We're more than an educational institution; we're a launchpad for budding entrepreneurs across the North Bay area.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or nursing a fresh idea on the side, the E&I-Hub provides the nurturing environment, resources, and expert guidance to bring your vision to life. Dive into a community that celebrates all ideas, big or small, and watch as they flourish.
There is no such thing as a bad idea?
At the E&I-Hub, our aim is to ignite and infuse entrepreneurial thinking and behavior into our students. This change takes a village. It takes you.
As a first step, the best way forward is to email Chris Stewart. You can contact him at chris.stewart@sonoma.
Ask an Entrepreneur
Tuesday, Sept.19, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Wine Spectator Learning Center 1001!
Our first event of the academic year brings local entrepreneurs to you. Want to know what it's like to be an entrepreneur? Would you like to learn what it takes to be successful and what the pitfalls are? Local entrepreneurs will tell their stories and answer your questions. Join us for pizza and soda as you engage with these entrepreneurs!
Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Mindset (JEM)
If you know you want to move forward with an idea and dive in right away, then join the Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Mindset (JEM) program.
Entrepreneurship Resources
We have aggregated a directory of Sonoma State University and regional resources and services designed to help you develop ideas, scale your business and connect you with a vast network of entrepreneurs. Start here to connect with the resources and information you will need to support your journey.
Access Entrepreneurship Resources
SBE Entrepreneurs in Residence
Chris Stewart, Co-founder of Pocket Radar, Inc., Entrepreneur-in-Residence Lead
Chris Stewart, a distinguished entrepreneur with over four decades in the tech sector, started as a design engineer at renowned firms like Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies. In 2009, he spearheaded two innovative ventures: Invention Planet LLC and Pocket Radar Inc. Beyond his business acumen, Chris imparts knowledge at Sonoma State University, teaching electrical engineering and entrepreneurship. He's also a pivotal figure at SSU, chairing the Makerspace External Advisory Board and guiding the Electrical Engineering Department. His multifaceted expertise encompasses design, product development, strategic planning, patents, and consultancy.
Michelle Wilson (pictured left), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ooh La Luxe
Cristina Wilson-Hudlin (pictured below), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ooh La Luxe
Michelle and Cristina Wilson, Sonoma State University graduates, transitioned from a college coffee cart to establishing Ooh La Luxe. This thriving fashion brand, with a decade in the industry, boasts three outlets, a dynamic online store, and a loyal clientele. Cristina excels in merchandise curation and operations, while Michelle, the marketing maestro, amplifies brand visibility through photoshoots and strategic Instagram campaigns.
Schedule a Meeting with an Entrepreneur in Residence
Entrepreneurship Programs & Activities at SSU
Entrepreneurial energy, behaviors, and thinking are the lifeblood of any thriving economy. Given the North Bay's commitment to the triple bottom line of social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, Sonoma State's role as the region's entrepreneurial epicenter comes naturally. Today, our faculty and staff build conduits between the student population and private industry, focus on new business initiatives, develop and apply practical case studies, create relevant curriculum and workshops, conduct critical research, and fuel talent development programs.
Transform our Educational System at SSU and in the North Bay
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Leadership and innovation are central themes in our undergraduate and graduate academic programs and infused in how we train our students to become creative problem solvers, change agents, and innovators in their workplaces and their communities. |
Launch and Support Entrepreneurial Careers out of SSU
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Our students will spend their time at SSU becoming entrepreneurial thinkers who have launched their own businesses or are job-ready as they step out on their career pathway.
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Accelerate Entrepreneurial Action in the North Bay
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We see entrepreneurship as a key ingredient for regional growth and prosperity. To that end, the School of Business and Economics has partnered with and supported entrepreneurial efforts and projects like the North Bay Make-a-thon, SSU's Makerspace and Innovation Lab, North Bay Investor Summit, and more. |
