The Northwest Pa Innovation Beehive Network: Eliminating Barriers to Entrepreneurship

Northwest Pennsylvania has a wealth of knowledge capital within its universities. While the universities have consistently served the region through work with companies and community organizations, few opportunities have been available for individuals and small businesses. The NWPA Beehive Network remedies this by providing services to entrepreneurs and small businesses with minimal barriers and no fee. The Network is a collaboration of all regional universities and the Erie County Library System. Each provides a unique set of services that complement each other to fill gaps that an entrepreneur may have in their skill set. Meanwhile, undergraduate students are provided with extraordinary work experiences that have a real impact on their community. The Network has been recognized as a unique and effective model for inter-university collaboration as well as an exceptional career-building experience for students. This presentation will explain the Innovation Beehive Network, its vision, challenges, impact, and future. Please note that the lecture is free. If you order a lunch for $5.00, we ask that you purchase it online before attending. We are not able to add a lunch when you arrive for the event. Coffee, water, and snacks are available. If you would like to bring your own lunch, please feel free to do so. Thank you for understanding!