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Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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Empowering Entrepreneurs. Inspiring Innovation.

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation serves as the University of Baltimore's hub for entrepreneurship. From initial idea development to later-stage business growth, the Center provides resources, fosters collaboration, and connects entrepreneurs with a supportive community.

Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) empowers University of Baltimore students, alumni, and community members to design, launch, and run their own businesses by providing resources and support.
a man writing in a notebook reviewing a business pitch

Connect with a Mentor

Connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and growth-oriented business leaders in your community. After an initial consultation, we'll pair you with a dedicated mentor who will provide expert guidance on everything from management and marketing to legal and financial issues.
Charles St. and Mt. Royal Ave. in the evening

Learn New Skills

Our workshops provide CEI members and companies with the essential knowledge and resources—from securing seed capital and finding partners to hiring talent and mastering marketing. The goal to transform their ideas into successful ventures. We also host networking events and other opportunities to connect with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, including investors and potential customers, too.
winners of a pitch competition

Funding Opportunities

Launch your venture with CEI's business pitch competitions. Held each semester, these events offer access to thousands of dollars in seed funding and professional services. More importantly, they provide a valuable opportunity to test your business concept, connect with potential investors, receive expert feedback, gain recognition, and learn from a "safe failure" environment—all before entering the high-stakes marketplace.

 

2025 Rise to the Challenge Group of Competitors

Video Highlights: 2025 'Rise to the Challenge' Winners

View the highlight reel for the "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition, held on May 1, 2025.
View the highlight reel for the "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition, held on May 1, 2025.
You will see the impact that a University of Baltimore education and the work of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has on our students, their families, their communities.
Kathyrn Demarest Associate Dean, Merrick School of Business
Read Full Story
View the highlight reel for the "Rise to the Challenge" Business Pitch Competition, held on May 1, 2025.

 

 

Crowd of people in the Center Of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Contact

University of Baltimore
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Spring 2025 Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Campus Location: William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, Suite 104
  • Mailing Address: 1420 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Main Email: cei@ubalt.edu
Contact Henry Mortimer, CEI Director

 

CEI News and Stories

Gregory Vetter speaks to a group of students in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Gregory Vetter's startup secrets inspire next gen of entrepreneurs at UBalt

September 22, 2025
Business Today

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation transformed recently into a hub of energy and inspiration during the latest workshop: From Idea to Income – Entrepreneurial Blueprint, featuring Tessemae’s Gregory Vetter.

The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is launching an AI-Enabled Business Incubator in support of local start-ups

Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Receives Inaugural TEDCO Funding for AI-Enabled Business Incubator

September 12, 2025
UBalt News

The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is launching an AI-Enabled Business Incubator, in support of a pioneering program designed to foster inclusive entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the Baltimore region, especially among underrepresented groups.

Alan Tsao, Merrick School of Business graduate

Business alum's watch brand growing

August 12, 2025
Business Today

Alan Tsao, MBA '21, B.S. '11 and founder & CEO of Tsao Baltimore Watches was selected in The Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 Rankings.

Gregory Vetter speaks to a group of students in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Gregory Vetter's startup secrets inspire next gen of entrepreneurs at UBalt

September 22, 2025
Business Today

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation transformed recently into a hub of energy and inspiration during the latest workshop: From Idea to Income – Entrepreneurial Blueprint, featuring Tessemae’s Gregory Vetter.

The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is launching an AI-Enabled Business Incubator in support of local start-ups

Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Receives Inaugural TEDCO Funding for AI-Enabled Business Incubator

September 12, 2025
UBalt News

The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is launching an AI-Enabled Business Incubator, in support of a pioneering program designed to foster inclusive entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the Baltimore region, especially among underrepresented groups.

Alan Tsao, Merrick School of Business graduate

Business alum's watch brand growing

August 12, 2025
Business Today

Alan Tsao, MBA '21, B.S. '11 and founder & CEO of Tsao Baltimore Watches was selected in The Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 Rankings.

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    Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    More Events
    The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers several learning and networking opportunities throughout the semester.