Imagine how the professional world has changed and is changing. How does work look compared to 10 years ago? Five years ago? Two years ago?

As the world of work changes rapidly, freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers account for an increasingly significant percentage of the workforce. Job titles and roles are changing rapidly, too, so that even in traditional employment models, constant adaptation is imperative.

Students are invited to develop skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration through SPU’s entrepreneurship programs.

SPU’s Social Venture Plan Competition

Each year, the Center for Applied Learning sponsors the Social Venture Plan Competition, which encourages SPU students to develop business-based solutions to social problems on cross-disciplinary teams. More than $5,000 in prize money is awarded to winning teams. Check out the Social Venture Plan Competition site to see previous years’ winning teams.

The SPU Launch Fund

The SPU Launch Fund awards micro-grants to aspiring student founders looking to do market research, prototype a product, or take other necessary steps on their entrepreneurial journey. Learn more about this exciting and unique opportunity.

The SPU Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab (iLab) provides group workshops, as well as one-on-one coaching and consulting for student entrepreneurs. Check out upcoming events on CAL’s event calendar.

Classroom Foundations

Many business classes at SPU include an emphasis on entrepreneurship ― the equipping of each learner to find their own successful business niche. Whether it’s focused on a new product, business, or service, this unique approach explores ways of developing entrepreneurial skills while engaging the culture and changing the world.

In BUS 4631/32 “Business Planning I and II” you’ll learn the foundational business skill of creating a business plan. You’ll also learn how to evaluate existing plans. You'll learn by doing, with our one-on-one help, as you:

  • Meet with established entrepreneurs and managers.
  • Hone your business presentation skills.
  • Develop a working plan to show to potential employers.

You may also work with a team or enter your work in business-plan competitions around the country – even here at Seattle Pacific's Social Venture Plan Competition. We’ll show you how.

Entrepreneurship Emphasis and Minor

The School of Business, Government, and Economics at SPU offers an Entrepreneurship minor for undergraduate students who major in subjects other than business. This emphasis is designed to give you a better grasp of how small business principles can help change the way you approach your professional calling.