6 UC business development services every aspiring entrepreneur needs

“Lacking the organizational structure of a big business, entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out, can experience a feeling of isolation,” said Charles Matthews, professor of entrepreneurship and strategy in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. “Individual entrepreneurs, even those working with a partner or small team, don’t always have a network or colleagues with whom they can call for advice and counsel.”

That’s where the 1819 Innovation Hub can help. As the front door to UC, the hub connects small business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators to services that will help turn your venture into the next big thing.

1. Launch scalable startups: Through the Venture Lab’s eight-week pre-accelerator program, aspiring entrepreneurs can explore the commercial potential of an innovative idea by identifying customers, analyzing the marketplace and giving you access to industry and market knowledge. 
2. Learn how to start, run and grow your business: The Center for Entrepreneurship offers a Small Business Institute consulting program that provides customized, confidential management consulting to Greater Cincinnati businesses.
3. Access digital solutions: The IT Solutions Center provides reliable and affordable digital solutions to business clients in Greater Cincinnati, including AI/AR development, analytics, chat bots, cybersecurity checks, full-service IT support, Microsoft Shop solutions and web development.
4. Connect with a small business learning community: More than 400 family and private businesses make up the Goering Center for Family and Private Business. New members work with the center’s membership team to create a custom journey map, based on your strengths and gaps as identified by a member alignment profile.
5. Build prototypes for testing new ideas: The Ground Floor Makerspace is open to through the Greater Cincinnati community through a membership program. In this 12,000-square foot prototyping and fabrication space, you can turn ideas into reality with the help of technical staff. Certification courses are available, too, for upskilling your team.
6. Access student talent: Through co-ops and capstones, you can gain access to UC's diverse talent pool. Find cost-effective relief for short-term workload peaks or special projects, and test-drive students that you may want to hire permanently after graduation.

Featured image at top: Woman entrepreneur working inside UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand