The Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship, simply known as the eCenter, is located inside the Culinary Museum, serving both the Downcity and Harborside campuses. LFCE is the hub for entrepreneurial activity at JWU Providence.
Under the guidance of Ezenwayi Amaechi, the eCenter brings together entrepreneurial studies, experiential opportunities, mentors, and the small business support services to transform students into entrepreneurs and their ideas into commercial or social enterprises.
2023 JWU Sharkfest Competition
Do you watch Shark Tank and think, “I could do that?” Then JWU Sharkfest is for you! Open to all majors on the Providence Campus, this annual business pitch competition tests the business acumen, creativity, and ambition of JWU student entrepreneurs. Finalists will battle it out in live competition for a grand prize of $2,500.
New this year: Fall workshops and a live poster session to select finalists. See contest rules for more information.
If you think you have a winning business idea, fill out the application below — documents are due by October 31, 2022 at 11pm EST.
Only finalists must fill out the Affidavit of Eligibility Agreement & Release.
AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY (PDF)
Video: Relive the 2022 Competition
The winners of the 2022 competition were Hemply Rooted, a hemp-infused condiment company created by Maya Alderman '23, Asia Vo '23 and Jessica Hess '23. Watch highlights from the event:
One-on-One Academically Driven Coaching
Faculty members are in the eCenter with scheduled hours to provide coaching and advising to students. The eCenter provides a clear connection to the theory learned in the classroom into a real world experience with faculty coaches. Faculty work one on one with student entrepreneurs providing them with advice as they launch their business and social ventures.
eCenter Incubator Internship
Under the guidance of faculty, this educational accelerator program allows students to intern in the eCenter, which enables them to fully focus on developing their businesses. In addition to faculty mentorship, alumni mentorship and access to the Center, each student receives a stipend from the university.
Faculty Contact
Ezenwayi Amaechi, Ph.D., '07 MBA
Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship
Ezenwayi Amaechi, Ph.D., '07 MBA, is a social entrepreneur, researcher, trainer and author. She is passionate about women and youth leadership and economic development.
Amaechi joined Johnson & Wales University after years of corporate, teaching, research, and consulting experience with domestic and international organizations. She is committed to helping students pursue their entrepreneurial goals and achieve their desired result.
Email address: ezenwayi.amaechi@jwu.edu
Phone: 401-598-1075/a>