CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship, simply known as the eCenter, is the hub for entrepreneurial activity at JWU Providence. The eCenter serves both the Downcity and Harborside campuses.
Under the guidance of Ezenwayi Amaechi, the eCenter brings together entrepreneurial studies, experiential opportunities, mentors, and the small business support services to transform students into entrepreneurs and their ideas into commercial or social enterprises.
JWU Sharkfest Competition
Do you watch Shark Tank and think, “I could do that?” JWU Sharkfest is the Providence Campus’ annual business pitch competition that tests the business acumen, creativity, and ambition of JWU student entrepreneurs during a live competition.
SHARKFEST 2024
Date, time and location TBD
Read about the 2023 competition, or watch highlights from the Providence event:
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.
eCenter Incubator Internship
Under the guidance of faculty, this educational accelerator program allows students to intern in the eCenter, which enables them to fully focus on developing their businesses. In addition to faculty mentorship, alumni mentorship and access to the Center, each student receives a stipend from the university.
Faculty Contact
Ezenwayi Amaechi, Ph.D., '07 MBA
Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship
Ezenwayi Amaechi, Ph.D., '07 MBA, is a social entrepreneur, researcher, trainer and author. She is passionate about women and youth leadership and economic development.
Amaechi joined Johnson & Wales University after years of corporate, teaching, research, and consulting experience with domestic and international organizations. She is committed to helping students pursue their entrepreneurial goals and achieve their desired result.
Email address: ezenwayi.amaechi@jwu.edu
Phone: 401-598-1075