Fisher Introduces Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

A new minor in entrepreneurship and innovation will help St. John Fisher University students build the business skills and strategic knowledge it takes to launch a startup venture.

Hosted in the School of Business, the minor is designed to develop a solid understanding of entrepreneurship principles, small business management, and the skills needed to be “launch ready”—knowing how to create and sustain a startup while navigating the financial landscape. Interdisciplinary by nature, the minor is open to students of all majors.

“Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation and develop an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ by engaging in hands-on, real-world experiences that will help them learn how to evaluate opportunities, develop business plans, and launch startups,” said Dr. Chantz B. Miles, the Rebecca Pelino ’86 Entrepreneur-in-Residence and a visiting assistant professor in the School of Business. “The minor encourages students to become leaders and problem-solvers who can adapt to a rapidly changing business environment and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the global economy.”

The entrepreneurship and innovation minor consists of 18 credits, including courses that explore innovation and product development, entrepreneurial finance and funding, and family business dynamics, among others. Additionally, Miles added that students in the minor can participate in the Entrepreneurship Club and business pitch competitions, engage in networking opportunities with alumni entrepreneurs, and complete projects with local businesses. The School of Business also hosts a robust Entrepreneurship Week that includes workshops about being an entrepreneur, panels featuring local and national entrepreneurs, and a FishTank competition where budding entrepreneurs can share their business idea for the chance to win start-up funding.

To learn more about the program, call the Office of Admissions at (585) 385-8064 or visit the entrepreneurship and innovation website.