The University of Puget Sound will host a year-long series of entrepreneurship events during the 2026–27 academic year. The programming is designed to appeal to students across disciplines, not just business majors, and includes both for-profit and nonprofit ventures.
“People move in and out of entrepreneurship today: more than half of all Americans will be entrepreneurs at one point in their lives,” said Lynnette Claire, professor of the School of Business and Leadership. “That statistic fails to include many of the valuable social ventures that many people engage in on the side, starting nonprofits. Therefore, exposing students to entrepreneurship in terms of role models, skills, inspiration and hands-on experience seems critical for all disciplines.”
The events can stand alone but are also designed to build on one another, giving students the option to engage intensively or participate in smaller doses.
Claire emphasized that entrepreneurs are leading the way in social and environmental impact, with many such business leaders reporting that they always consider these factors in their decision-making. She also pointed out that having a college degree is correlated with entrepreneurial success, and most entrepreneurs hold at least a bachelor's degree.
“These all point the way to the importance of offering cross-campus entrepreneurship opportunities that students can engage in, intensively, in small doses,” she said.
The upcoming events — launched with start-up support from Board of Trustees Vice Chair Sunshine A. Morrison ’94 — will also include engagement from alumni, parents, business owners, and nonprofits. Alumni or parent entrepreneurs interested in mentoring, hosting a table, or opening their businesses for incubation during spring break can contact Lynnette Claire at lclaire@pugetsound.edu or sign up on the registration page.
Learn more about the entrepreneurship events:
Entrepreneur Fair
Oct. 29, 2026 | 4–5:30 p.m. | Rasmussen Rotunda
The Entrepreneur Fair aims to increase awareness of entrepreneurship within the Puget Sound community. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff entrepreneurs will host tables to showcase their ventures, sell products, and connect with the campus community. Student entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to practice pitching their ideas to mentors during one-on-one sessions from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.
Additionally, the event will feature a Wall of Failure, which will visually share stories of entrepreneurial setbacks and the lessons learned from them.
Entrepreneurial Sandbox
Nov. 8, 2026 | 3–9 p.m. | Library 063 and MakerSpace
Open to both emerging and existing student entrepreneurs, this hands-on workshop helps participants generate venture ideas, identify promising opportunities, and evaluate how to move their ideas forward. Snacks and dinner will be provided.
Build-A-Business
Jan. 15, 2027 at 10 a.m. to Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. | Location to be announced
This event starts with students pitching their venture ideas. Teams will be formed by noon, after which participants will work on developing their ventures and validating their ideas, potentially working late into the night. The event will conclude with pitches to a panel of alumni and parent entrepreneurs, who will award at least three grants of $500 each to help the winning teams take action.
Students with project ideas, or those who simply want to brainstorm with others, are welcome. Food, drinks, and snacks will be provided throughout. Alumni or parents interested in serving as mentors or on-call lifelines for the teams should fill out the registration form or contact Claire at lclaire@pugetsound.edu.
Alternative Spring Break: Startup Life
March 6–14, 2027 | Alumni and parent-owned businesses and nonprofits
Student entrepreneurs will spend two to eight days incubating their ventures within alumni and parent-owned businesses or nonprofits. This experience is designed to advance their ventures, build connections, and offer job-shadowing opportunities over spring break.
To sign up, visit the registration page.
