About The Center for Entrepreneurship

A leading voice for entrepreneurial growth, learning and action

The College of Business and Economics at California Sate University, Fullerton (CSUF) has established the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship (CSUF Entrepreneurship) as a Center of Excellence to serve as a support organization and outreach center, which encompasses a variety of entrepreneurial initiatives. CSUF Entrepreneurship comprises the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, its advisory board, staff, and donors, as well as the Small Business Institute (SBI) and its student-consulting clients, the CSUF Startup Incubator and its residents, student-led clubs and organizations, and the students and faculty involved in the CSUF Entrepreneurship Concentrations (Undergraduate and MBA) and the CSUF Entrepreneurship Minor. Moreover, entrepreneurial alumni and volunteers also play a crucial role in multiplying the effectiveness of CSUF Entrepreneurship by supporting learning both in the classroom and in the field.

CSUF Entrepreneurship aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, education, and mentorship necessary to develop their skills and launch successful ventures. Through various programs and initiatives, the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship encourages entrepreneurship that promotes social responsibility and ethical business practices. The Small Business Institute, for instance, enables students to consult with small businesses and apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting. Similarly, student-led organizations provide a platform for students to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and hone their entrepreneurial skills. With the support of CSUF Entrepreneurship and its extensive network of alumni and volunteers, CSUF Entrepreneurship is well-positioned to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to making a positive social impact.

Our Purpose

We teach, coach and lead the principled, cross-disciplinary practice of entrepreneurship. We believe that, through determined practice, leadership and team work, our students, faculty, clients, volunteers and alums can systematically recombine the new and the old to forge new ventures, create an entrepreneurial culture, and dramatically benefit our community.

Our Commitment to Social Entrepreneurship

CSUF Entrepreneurship is dedicated to fostering social entrepreneurship by empowering students and community members to build businesses that not only generate profit but also create a lasting social impact. Through education, mentorship, and resources, it equips aspiring social entrepreneurs with the skills to develop sustainable ventures that address societal challenges. By integrating entrepreneurship with social responsibility, CSUF Entrepreneurship cultivates a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive difference. Partnerships with local organizations further strengthen this ecosystem, promoting collaboration and innovative approaches to tackling social issues.

Our Guiding Principles

  1. Create Value
  2. Embrace Change
  3. Apply Creativity
  4. Celebrate Uniqueness
  5. Build Community
  6. Maintain Personal Integrity and Trust
  7. Be Aware of Right and Wrong
  8. Love Learning, Wisdom and Truth
  9. Practice Humilityy and Intellectual Honesty
  10. Be Caring and Compassionate
  11. Value Justice and Peace
  12. Give Respect
  13. Respect the Earth and its Creatures
  14. Walk the Talk
  15. Strive for Success

* Please click the Fifteen Guiding Principles (PDF download) that contains a complete list with supporting comments.

History

Established in 2001, the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship is a Center of Excellence within the CSUF College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton. The CSUF College of Business and Economics is the largest accredited business school in the State of California and the second largest accredited undergraduate business school in the country.

The CSUF College of Business and Economics at CSUF has the distinction of holding two AACSB International Accreditations – one for the College and one for the College’s accounting program. Centers of Excellence within the CSUF College of Business and Economics are completely supported by private donations and, in the Center for Entrepreneurship’s case, from fees derived from its award-winning Student Business Consulting Program. These Centers address a variety of needs and issues in the community, provide an array of services to local business and government sectors and provide academic and practical learning environments for CSUF students.

The formal study of entrepreneurship as an academic concentration at the College is now over 20 years old, reflecting the importance of entrepreneurship to our region’s economy. However, CSUF Entrepreneurship has a more than 40 year, nationally recognized track record beginning with the establishment of the Small Business Institute® in 1974. SBI student consultants have served over 3,000 businesses. During the school year, this program will serve over 125 clients through its consulting services.

Awards and Honors

California State University, Fullerton's Small Business Institute® has won dozens of awards for outstanding student consulting to business owners.