Get involved with entrepreneurship at BGSU
Entrepreneurship at BGSU brings you into a community where the student entrepreneurial mindset and ideas are brought to life together. Students and industry and community partners work side by side to create real-world impact. This ecosystem is built to spark innovation, grow leadership and turn curiosity into confident action.
At BGSU, students and industry and community partners work side by side to create real-world impact. Together, they explore and test ideas and bring them to life. This entrepreneurship ecosystem is built to spark innovation, grow leadership and turn curiosity into confident action.
Falcon Incubation
Falcon Incubation is a structured pathway that helps students grow their entrepreneurial leadership skills through hands-on experiences, individualized coaching and access to resources that support real progress. It is designed for students at any stage of the journey whether they are exploring an idea, developing a concept, preparing to launch a venture or growing a business.
- One on one coaching and milestone-based development
- Workshops focused on building the skills students need to take action with confidence and intention, grounded in value creation and resilience.
- Access to alumni mentors, community partners and peer support
- Opportunities to test, refine and scale ideas with guidance from the center
The Hatch
The Hatch is a signature accelerator pitch experience where students present their business ideas to judges in front of a live audience. It is a launch opportunity that showcases innovation, builds confidence and connects students with supporters who can help bring ideas to life.
Industry and community partners help build the foundation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem at BGSU. Your insight, experience and support allow students understand what it takes to create value in the real world. Partnerships strengthen learning, expand opportunity, and prepare a new generation of leaders who are already contributing on campus and moving confidently into their careers ready to make an impact.
- Serve as a mentor for students who are developing ideas or preparing to launch
- Judge at The Hatch and offer feedback that helps students refine their concepts
- Sponsor programs, workshops or student awards
- Provide employer connections that open doors to internships, projects and career pathways
- We are building an ecosystem to cultivate BGSU entrepreneurial leaders.
- Support students who are actively building industry ready skills through real world projects and applied experience
- Help shape and influence emerging talent early as students develop solutions aligned with your industry needs
- Northwest Ohio is the home of thought leaders who can leverage todays technologies to create the next big solutions.
- Access talent that is trained in problem-solving, creativity and value creation
- Strengthen your organization’s visibility and connection to the BGSU community
- Contribute to regional economic vitality through meaningful collaboration
Ready to partner with the Hooker Center?
Email the center to start a conversation about mentoring, sponsorship, student projects, or other ways to engage.
Partnerships with the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership create impact that reaches far beyond campus. When industry leaders invest their time and expertise, they help students move from potential to momentum. Together, we build an environment where leaders grow, talent thrives and the community benefits from a stronger, more innovative future.
Updated: 02/16/2026 08:35AM