Q: Why is entrepreneurship such a priority for the School of Business?
A: Historically and more recently, entrepreneurship has been central to the mission of the Howard University School of Business because it is fundamentally about agency. That is, we take our responsibility to empower individuals and communities to create opportunity, generate wealth, and drive inclusive economic growth very seriously. Through initiatives like the Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, we are scaling that impact well beyond our campus and positioning Howard as a national hub for entrepreneurial development. For historically marginalized communities, entrepreneurship has long been a pathway to self-determination. At Howard, we embrace that legacy and elevate it by preparing our students not just to participate in the economy, but to shape it.
Q: How is entrepreneurship integrated across the curriculum within the School of Business?
A: Entrepreneurship is embedded across our curriculum and academic offerings. In addition to a dedicated entrepreneurship concentration available to all majors, entrepreneurial thinking is woven throughout our core business disciplines, from finance and accounting to marketing, management, and information systems. Students engage entrepreneurship through experiential learning, venture development, case competitions, and applied projects, many of which are supported by the Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship and the DC Small Business Development Center located in the School of Business building. We also have a high school summer enrichment program that offers rising juniors and seniors a one-week immersive experience in entrepreneurial thinking and doing. Our approach ensures that students we engage with are exposed to the strategic foundation and gain the practical confidence to launch, lead, or innovate in their own ventures or within organizations they work.
Q: How is Howard’s approach to entrepreneurship different from that at other business schools?
A: What distinguishes Howard’s approach is our focus on purpose-driven entrepreneurship. We emphasize finding that space where innovation and profitability are aligned with community impact. Through our programs and centers of excellence, we intentionally connect students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs to resources that accelerate sustainable ventures and inclusive economic development. Howard educates entrepreneurs in a context shaped by history, culture, and responsibility. Our students learn that entrepreneurship is not only about building companies, but about building capacity, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunity at scale.
Article ID: 2571