Considering Entrepreneurship?

Get connected all over campus and within the Southeast community with all the options Entrepreneurship at SEMO has to offer. Using the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a central hub, this program offers students the opportunity to get real-world experience in the world of entrepreneurship. 

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

At the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, our team believes it is more important than ever for individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit to maintain a high standard of living in the increasingly competitive global economy.

Whether you are a student in our secondary or postsecondary education programs who is trying to prepare for the new economy, an individual who dreams of starting a business, someone with an idea that might lead to a breakthrough, or an existing business owner who wants to expand, or a leader that wants to develop opportunities for your community, we are committed to supporting you. 

Please contact us, so we can learn more about how we can serve you.

Alberto Davila 
Dean of the Harrison College of Business and Computing 
Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

Our Vision

To support the University’s strategic priority to advance Southeast Missouri’s economic appeal and strength by leading in the development of an increasingly entrepreneurial economy that inspires and encourages individuals to adopt a culture of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Our Mission 

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship stimulates entrepreneurial growth and development that improves the quality of lives, communities, and businesses in Southeast Missouri and beyond by: 

Accelerating Entrepreneurship 

Providing entrepreneurial training programs, venture mentoring services, and venture incubation led to the creation of an increasing number of new ventures. 

Cultivating Innovative Entrepreneurship 

Connecting faculty, students, researchers, and inventors with resources to transfer ideas to commercial products, processes, and services. 

Facilitating Existing Small Business Growth 

Providing business training, counseling, and mentoring services that increase the sustainability of new ventures and growth of existing and emerging enterprises. 

Building and Strengthening Networks 

Connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and communities with resources that accelerate venture creation and growth and development of an entrepreneurial culture. 

Inspiring and Educating Young Entrepreneurs 

Providing K-12 and postsecondary students education and practical experiences that inspire them to adopt a philosophy of entrepreneurship in their personal and professional lives, encourages them to create new ventures, and equips them for careers in the new economy. 

Building Knowledge About Entrepreneurship 

Conducting scientific and practical research that leads to publications in academic and professional journals and contributes to the growing body of literature concerning the teaching, practice, and science of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Recognition and Awards

The Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship strives for excellence in the development of programs and services the Center delivers. Since its opening in 2003, the Center has been the recipient of numerous awards, nominations, and recognition.

The Center was listed by the Kauffman Foundation as the top partner in the state of Missouri for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). The Kauffman Foundation founded GEW in 2008 to develop young people’s knowledge, skills, and networks to inspire them to grow sustainable enterprises. Based on the level of activity celebrating GEW, Southeast Missouri State University has ranked high nationally and was named a Distinguished Partner in the USA. 

  • Southern Growth Policies Board 2012 Innovator Award 
  • Global Entrepreneurship Week Distinguished Partner/USA 2010 
  • Douglas C. Greene Scholarship Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurialism 
  • Douglas and Heather Greene Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies 
  • James L. Stapleton Scholarship 
  • Training Model for MO Division of Workforce Development 2006-2009 
  • Southeast Illinois College’s 2008 Business of the Year 
  • Regional Exemplary Practices Model, Missouri Governor’s Summit 2008 
  • U.S. Department of Labor Best Practices Presenter 2010 
  • UEDA Summit Best Practices Presenter 2010 
  • Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute Model Program Speaker 2007, 2008, 2010

Entrepreneurship Programs

The entrepreneurship option in management offers students the opportunity to create, design, and develop innovative products and business models for startup and existing businesses. Students work alongside peers from many creative disciplines and successful entrepreneurs in in this effort. 

The entrepreneurship MBA option is among nine degree options for the MBA program. All current MBA degree options share the same required common core courses, which give our students a comprehensive and in-depth insight in crucial areas for managerial success.

If you would like more information about the Master of Business Administration program, please email mba@semo.edu or call (573) 651-5116. 

Students in any discipline may benefit from knowledge of entrepreneurial processes, entrepreneurship minors are now available through collaborations between colleges on the Southeast campus. These are minors which combine coursework in entrepreneurial methods with coursework in the following disciplines: 

  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Fine Arts Entrepreneurship 
  • Agriculture/Horticulture Entrepreneurship 
  • Industrial Engineering Technology Entrepreneurship 
  • Biological & Medical Sciences Entrepreneurship 
  • Fashion Entrepreneurship 
  • Health Management Entrepreneurship 

Entrepreneurs Supporting Entrepreneurship Education

We need current entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in the Next Generation.

It's impossible to over value experience. Being a successful innovator or entrepreneur is not easy. Experienced business creators and leaders have a unique opportunity to share their insights with students that aspire to make a difference. The relationships formed through mentorship last a lifetime and have a tremendously positive impact on students' career and academic success. 

The creation and validation of innovative business models can be a long road. The entrepreneurship program at Southeast includes a number of "real-world" experiences that lead students to search for difficult answers. Whether it is a laboratory project or the launch of student-created products and services in the Catapult Creative House, students benefit tremendously from having an experienced coach by their side to offer feedback and assistance. 

We invite you to serve as an Entrepreneur in Residence and speak to students in classes, provide a presentation or mentor in one of our projects and competitions. 

We invite you to support scholarships to help students access education, contribute to the Southeast Student Venture Fund that provides seed capital to get students' startups going, or underwrite a co-curricular program. 

For more information on investing in the next generation, contact Alberto Davila at adavila@semo.edu.