Student Programming: Events and Services
Our School provides students with that critical balance of academic content, practical skills, and hands-on support necessary to build a successful venture. Student entrepreneurs are given many opportunities to practice what is taught in the classroom and to present their ideas to investors and other entrepreneurial experts for invaluable critical and constructive feedback.
A highlight of The Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center’s resources is its extensive entrepreneurial network - many among them successful graduates from every industry - committed to achieving social and economic progress through entrepreneurship. Many in the network serve as mentors to student entrepreneurs, as judges/evaluators of Center events and competitions, and as classroom guest speakers, providing students with a level of advice and guidance that can only come from highly seasoned professionals.
Throughout the Year | Fall Term | Spring Term | Summer Term
| Throughout the Academic Year |
Goal |
| The Entrepreneurial Sounding Board is an opportunity for MBA students and alumni to schedule confidential 1:1 meetings with Center faculty and practitioners to discuss their own entrepreneurial ideas and perceived business opportunities. | To provide MBA students and alumni with access to faculty and expert professionals regardless of the stage of business development. |
| The Columbia Entrepreneurs Network (CEN) fosters a network of Columbia Business School alumni and students who are new to entrepreneurship. CEN is ideal for alumni who are considering launching a business for the first time after several years working in the corporate world. | To develop a network with a supportive venue to meet, network and partner with like-minded individuals with budding entrepreneurial aspirations, gather feedback for their concepts and share experiences and information helpful to launching a business. |
| The Columbia Family Business Management Program fosters a network between Columbia Business School graduate students, alumni, and greater community who actively work in/for a family businesses and/or are interested in the unique challenges and issues family businesses face today. | A partnership with the family business club, the program works to highlight issues relevant to family businesses today. |
| Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) fosters a network of female entrepreneurs. | To develop a network that brings alumnae and other women entrepreneurs together for learning, advice, and discussion. |
| Information sessions and workshops are scheduled throughout the academic year to help clarify important information, offerings, and deadlines. | To educate all students and help them make the most of Center programming. |
| The Fall Term | |
| Fall Venture Fair is a high energy event where invited students showcase their business ideas to the Columbia Business School Community. | To create a forum for students to meet seasoned professionals that will help mentor and work closely in business plan development, establish networks, and assess a venture’s viability. |
| The Columbia Mentorship Program for Entrepreneurs (CMPE) pairs Columbia Business School student entrepreneurs committed to meeting specific goals/objectives that aid in developing their business concept with a seasoned professional from our network. | Pairs Columbia Business School student entrepreneurs committed to meeting specific goals/objectives that aid in developing their business concept with a seasoned professional from our network. |
| The Entrepreneurial Greenhouse Program Admissions gives students interested in applying to the Greenhouse Program Master Class the opportunity to present their concept to members of the selection committee. | Admissions into this spring term full credit Master Class. For second year students, The Greenhouse Program is serious support for those who wish to launch their ventures upon graduation. |
| The Spring Term | |
| A. Lorne Weil Annual Startup Pitch Competition is a student-run competition that encourages their peers to explore creative entrepreneurial ideas while learning firsthand what goes into the development and presentation of a solid business proposal. | To encourage and support innovative creativity. A. Lorne Weil ‘71 sponsored: $15,000 in cash prizes are awarded. |
| Columbia Entrepreneurs Showcase is an event where faculty advisors and other evaluators help select which plans advance to present to the Lang Fund Board of Directors. | Selection of students who will present to the Lang Board of Directors for potential early-stage investing. |
| Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC) is a student-led business plan competition that actively supports and promotes successful social ventures around the world. GSVC is sponsored by the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, the Columbia Business School, Yale Business School, London Business School, and Indian School of Business. | Mission is to catalyze and promote the creation of financially self-sufficient or profitable social ventures. |
| The Summer Term | |
| Columbia Entrepreneurs Lab Summer Program is designed to support students as they pursue the development and launch of their own ventures. | Supports student's momentum as they pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations over the summer. |
