Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute

Tigers Own the Entrepreneurial Mindset

The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute (SEI) promotes and fosters entrepreneurial practices through co-curricular activities and outreach programs. The institute complements the work of the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems with innovative student projects, initiatives, and events. We seek to inspire, innovate, integrate, and implement new ways of thinking that positively impact students and the local, the state, and the national economies.

The institute offers several programs and events that promote innovative approaches to identifying needs and solving problems through an entrepreneurial view of opportunity, recognition, and realization.

Student Programs

Community Programs

Space to Innovate

FLOATING ABOVE THE BEC ROTUNDA IS THE MARK AND JUDY WEAVER IDEATION LAB — A CREATIVE SPACE FOR STUDENTS RUNNING OR STARTING A BUSINESS WHILE AT LSU.

It is designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurship, venture development, mentorship, and engagement in the regional business community. In the lab, students can access innovative equipment, including a 3-D printer.

Tigers are Up for the Challenge

Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute offers LSU students of any major opportunities to learn entrepreneurial concepts and put them to the test through real-world, innovative programming. Many thriving companies today were born in SEI.

Two students in vibrant cordaroy suits pitch their business stage.

J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge

Got a big idea? Pitch it for a chance to win a share of $35,000. This business plan competition is open to all LSU students operating businesses or developing ideas for a new venture. Three finalists are selected to pitch for a share of startup cash in the final round in this Shark Tank-style event.

2024 competition results

Students present their concept at startup weekend

Startup LSU

Participants have 54 hours to form teams and move from pitches and to presentations, turning business ideas into reality. Students do not need a startup idea or any previous business experience to participate. This event is great preparation for the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge.

STARTUP LSU

Community of Entrepreneurship

SEI community engagement initiatives seek to help the Baton Rouge community start and grow businesses through innovative programs and instilling a passion for the entrepreneurial mindset.

Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs

A six-week training program and follow-up consulting projects for local adult entrepreneurs, including visionaries with ideas, early-stage ventures, and growing businesses.

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Panel of speakers on stools in front of projector screen

Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Under the instruction of SDEIS faculty, a select group of high school students transforms into CEOs over the academic year. YEA classes meet in the Business Education Complex, exposing students to the entrepreneurial life at LSU.

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