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About The IEC
The mission of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) at
Shaw University is to increase and improve small business ownership
and address underemployment in minority communities. We provide
targeted entrepreneurial training and support for students and
aspiring business owners that will foster innovation and help them to
establish and sustain high-growth and sustainable companies. We
leverage intellectual capital through collaborative efforts of faculty,
community partners, students, entrepreneurs, and the larger
Raleigh community.
Are you a Shaw University student entrepreneur or want to start your own business? Join our Student Entrepreneurship Club! To join or for more information, please click below.”
Meet Our Team
Dr. T. Nichole Phillips
IEC Director
Mr. Matthew Gargano
IEC Fellow
Mr. Hanif Omar
IEC Fellow
Ms. Vicki Spears
Program Manager, Aspire
Signature Programs
The Aspire Entrepreneurship Certification Program (AECP) is a 16-week certification program that provides training to aspiring and early-stage Black entrepreneurs in the Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas. Launched in January 2022, the AECP presents a research-based curriculum designed to address specific needs and challenges experienced by Black entrepreneurs. Our next cohort will launch in January 2024. For more information, please click here or email Aspire@ShawU.edu.
Sponsored by 
The Business Innovation Gateway (BIG) is an entrepreneurship program focused on developing
undergraduate student competency in the areas of business planning and opportunity recognition,
project management, financial management, marketing and branding, and cultural competence.
Through courses, seminars, and internships, the BIG program addresses underemployment by ensuring that students are career-ready, either though the launch of their own enterprises or as employees
in entrepreneurial organizations.
For more information, please click here or email IEC@ShawU.edu
Funded by 
For more information on the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, our programs, and/or partnership opportunities,
please contact us at IEC@ShawU.edu.