The Duree Center for Entrepreneurship (DCE) enjoys a rich legacy offering experiential and entrepreneurial learning opportunities for university students and company founders. In 2020, 51¸£ÀûÉç acquired the Innovation and Technology and Entrepreneur Network (ITEN), which itself was founded in 2008. ITEN helped tech entrepreneurs launch successful new business ventures by offering educational programs and services, all without requiring equity participation. Throughout its history, ITEN assisted hundreds of startups whose companies created over a thousand jobs and raised millions of dollars.
The DCE will continue its focus on collaborative partnerships with other Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESO) and economic development organizations to offer customized programs and services meeting the needs of the local, regional, and statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. Other DCE initiatives will focus on non-profit entrepreneurship, secondary ed entrepreneurship, and instruction in the art of innovation.
Founding
The Center was established with a generous gift from , Lindenwood alum and dynamic member of the St. Charles business community.
Strategic Plan Support
The DCE supports the university's strategic plan:
Strategy 1.1 - Integration of entrepreneurial methodologies into business school curriculum.
Strategy 1.3 - Providing opportunities for students to participate in competitions.
Strategy 3.1 - Host on campus events for secondary school students. Serve on chamber of commerce boards and non-profit organizations.
Strategy 3.2 - Develop non-profit entrepreneurship and secondary school programs leading to certification opportunities. Develop revenue-bearing programs with outside companies.