About Us
Core Values
We value representation and equity. Representation is an essential part of who we are. We tailor our programming, mentoring, and support to all populations, including those who have been underrepresented and underestimated.
Our Beginnings
CSULB President Jane Conoley authorized the establishment of a university wide Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) on July 1st, 2017, positioning it under the office of the Provost in the department of Academic Affairs. The Academic Senate stated in their recommendation letter to the President that they are, “excited about the Institute’s potential to unlock our student’s entrepreneurial instincts, nurture their ideas, and launch their businesses and careers… (appreciating) that the Institute will encourage our students and faculty to work with our local community beyond our CSULB campus.”
Many exciting activities have organically evolved on the CSULB campus and in the Long Beach community, indicating that a community of interest in entrepreneurship and innovation exists. What was missing was a mechanism to leverage this community of interest to create something that transcends the positive outcomes of individual actions. The IIE acts as an umbrella under which entrepreneurial and innovative activities are housed, encouraged to grow, and cross-fertilized by the energy and involvement across campus of other similar activities and interested people. Connecting campus Programs, Resources, and People through a central network.
The IIE is rare in that it was formed as a university-wide Institute and reports directly to the University Provost, housed in the department of Academic Affairs. This allows undeniable inclusivity for programming and diverse team building opportunities from students and faculty from various interdisciplinary backgrounds.
Under the direction of a robust and diverse Advisory Board, the IIE operates its programming in three stages: Nurturing Creativity, Cultivating Entrepreneurs, and Launching Enterprises. Over a few short years, the Institute has continued to deliver ongoing programming and has also developed new programming that supports entrepreneurs in their various stages.
All of the programming offered by the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is free for anyone to participate. The IIE is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization funded almost entirely from private donations. Contact us at csulb-iie@csulb.edu if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.
Land Acknowledgment and Recognition Statement
The IIE at CSULB is located on the sacred site of Puvungna. We acknowledge that we are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here. We recognize the Tongva and Acjachemen Nations and their spiritual connection as the first stewards and the traditional caretakers of this land. We thank them for their strength, perseverance and resistance.
