Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program

Prepare to chart your own course through our Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program. As a student, you have the opportunity to utilize and build upon your liberal arts education while learning the fundamentals of starting a venture and keeping a company relevant in this fast-changing world. 

Students shaking hands

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program

Engage in startup related activity while connecting with alumni professionals, local business leaders, potential collaborators, experienced mentors, and the resources needed to take an idea to the next level.

As part of the Certificate in Entrepreneurship, students are required to attend ten (10) of the following events during their college career at Holy Cross. Events include site visits, the annual Innovation Challenge, Shark Tank Competitions, pitch competitions, and select HC Launch entrepreneurship club events. Please speak with an advisor for more information.

Company Site Visits

Monthly site visits expose students to the local business community, often including founders and CEOs. Getting off campus provides real-world exposure with tours at early-stage businesses, nonprofits and corporations. Discussions will include insights into the decision-making processes and some of the challenges businesses face. Potential for internship opportunities. 

Holy Cross Shark Tank Competition

The annual Shark Tank Competition offers students funding to develop new ideas or scale existing ventures. Participants pitch to a board of judges, who come from a vast network of alumni and business professionals, in front of an audience of their peers. The best pitches will walk away with cash prizes and potential mentoring opportunities.

Intercollegiate Shark Tank Competition

The winner of the Holy Cross Shark Tank Competition will have the opportunity to compete in a city-wide competition against local colleges with real investors with the hopes of gaining investment and guidance from real investors.

  • Thursday, April 11, 2023 from 5-7pm

Innovation Challenge

Teams of students will collaborate with local businesses or nonprofits to address real-world issues. Working in teams, they'll present their solutions to a company representative as part of a panel of judges.  The most compelling pitches will win cash prizes.

  • Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6-8pm
  • Registration is currently closed.

Notification and Transportation to Local Events

The local business community and extended college network is full of resources, programs and speaker events for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with the greater community.

  • Transportation registration required for off campus, external events. Please see opportunities.
  • Please note that registration is required for external events.

Student Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Summit (SEES)

Recognizing that Worcester is a hub of innovation, this annual event connects students with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and ecosystem partners to bridge the gap of entry for college students pursuing their entrepreneurial ventures. Students are invited from all major colleges in the Worcester area.