Quinnipiac University’s School of Business has officially reopened its People’s United Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at 275 Mount Carmel Ave.
A reception took place Oct. 24 at the center, the function of which is to support entrepreneurial initiatives at Quinnipiac.
“Entrepreneurial centers force people to think differently, to think without preconceptions and to turn things on their head,” Quinnipiac President Judy Olian said. “The word is that 50 percent of jobs in 2030 do not exist today. So the coin of the realm, the name of the game in education, is adaptability, innovativeness and curiosity.”
People’s United Bank and Quinnipiac announced a $10 million partnership in May. As part of the 10-year agreement, People’s United donated $5 million to QU to support two major academic centers in the School of Business — the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Center for Women & Business.
Quinnipiac agreed to match the $5 million donation and move its university-wide banking to People’s United for the 10-year term coinciding with the agreement. In addition, Quinnipiac’s Sports Center was renamed the People’s United Center.
“It’s about giving back to the community, and as we think about keeping jobs in Connecticut, we think this is a great way for us to try and achieve that goal,” said People’s United Bank President Jeff Tengel. “We really look forward to partnering with the university and helping the People’s United Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship be all that we think it can be.”
According to the university, the center is designed to tap into the expertise of successful business professionals, advanced research capabilities and its access to business capital. It also provides advisory services and workshops in legal, finance, research, marketing, design, business plan development and startup mentoring.
Contact Michael C. Bingham at mbingham@newhavenbiz.com
