Carlsen Center’s Commitment to Innovation
The Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship positions itself as the premier hub for regional innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Their mission is to make these fields accessible and impactful for everyone in the Greater Sacramento Region. They achieve this by providing approachable education, fostering a supportive community, and offering resources for startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses.
Challenge
Students, the future of entrepreneurship, often struggle to navigate the fragmented landscape of resources within a university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This lack of centralized information hinders their ability to find the support needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Universities, such as Sacramento State University, are anchor institutions, face a critical gap. They need a way to bridge the disconnect between students and the wealth of scattered resources available on campus and in their region.
Solution
EcoMap Technologies partnered with Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University, Sierra College and Tahoe Prosperity Center to develop NorCal Entrepreneur Hub, an online platform powered by ecosystem intelligence for innovators, startup founders, and small business owners seeking to navigate the Greater Sacramento’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. NorCal Entrepreneur Hub provides info on:
- Business incubators and accelerators
- Investors and funding opportunities
- Mentorship and network groups
- Educational resources
Benefits
Increased Resource Accessibility
By centralizing 400 resources and nearly 150 organizations across the region on NorCal Entrepreneur Hub, students and local community could access the exact resources they needed to succeed.
Streamlined Navigation & Support
NorCal Entrepreneur Hub’s easy-to-use search functions allowed students to quickly discover relevant resources based on their specific needs, venture stage and industry, leading to higher student engagement.
Stronger Ecosystem & Stakeholder Engagement
The Carlsen Center partnered with local universities and leaders, ensuring the Hub served the entire region. By facilitating communication and networking across the platform, the Hub helped cultivate a more vibrant and interconnected student entrepreneurial environment within Sacramento.
“He is proudest of the quantity and quality of initiatives being propped up in Sacramento – especially as it relates to inclusivity in entrepreneurship.”
– Cameron Law, Executive Director, Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University