Unlock Your Inner Entrepreneur
Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship, simply known as the eCenter, is the hub for entrepreneurial activity at JWU Providence. Located in the Xavier Academic Complex, the eCenter serves both the Downcity and Harborside campuses.

Under the guidance of Jeff Binczyk, the eCenter brings together entrepreneurial studies, experiential opportunities, mentors, and small business support services to transform students into entrepreneurs and their ideas into commercial or social enterprises.

Join Us for 2025 Sharkfest

Do you watch Shark Tank and think, “I could do that?” JWU Sharkfest is the university’s annual business pitch competition that tests the business acumen, creativity and ambition of JWU student entrepreneurs.

Cheer on your fellow students as they pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to win $5,000!

SHARKFEST 2025

Thursday, March 27, 2-3:30pm
Schneider Auditorium

eCenter Services

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.

Faculty Contact

Jeff Binczyk

Director, eCenter

Jeff Binczyk joined JWU after a career in the corporate world working for global food companies like Kellogg’s and Shearer’s Snacks. Most recently, he led startup teams at Flavorseal before the business was sold to a private equity firm.

At JWU, his goal is to leverage his creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship knowledge with the broader JWU community. As he explains it, “You don’t need to own a business to possess an entrepreneurial mindset. Developing skills like persistence, leadership, conflict resolution, and creativity benefits all students, no matter their major, to be successful in whatever career path they take.”

JWU has enjoyed a rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship over the years. Binczyk’s goal is to collaborate with each individual college to find opportunities for the Entrepreneurship Center to partner with students and faculty.

Larry Friedman Center For Entrepreneurship
Xavier Academic Complex, Room 402
401-598-1474
Email