Propel Business
New Venture & Innovation Program
Business services for Smeal
The Propel Business New Venture & Innovation Program is an initiative offered by the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the Management and Organization Department, and Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, to provide a virtual assistance hub for Smeal graduate students and alumni interested in new venture creation.
The Propel Business program is a curated and moderated portfolio of services and resources offered through the Smeal College of Business that includes a finance clinic (including financial modeling and venture funding), digital library, faculty assistance, and legal assistance support.
Program Goals
Provide a virtual platform of entrepreneurial support and services for Smeal graduate students and alumni.
Support new venture creation and innovation projects for Smeal graduate students and alumni
Facilitate lifelong learning and engagement for students and alumni
Facilitate the identification of possible investment opportunities for the Garber Venture Capital Fund (administered through the Farrell Center)
Portfolio of Services
Digital Resources
Browse our curated library of articles, videos, other publications and resources geared toward fostering entrepreneurial success
Digital Resources
Browse our curated library of articles, videos, other publications and resources geared toward fostering entrepreneurial success
Advisory Network
Students and alumni can interact with our Advisory Network members who are entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and service providers. Learn more about the Advisory Network and contact us if you are interested in engaging with or joining the Advisory Network.
Financial Assistance
Receive assistance with financial modeling, forecasting, business planning, and funding strategies.
Business Consulting
Obtain faculty input on business models, strategic plans, and business plans; obtain semester-long, pro bono consulting services from student teams.
Legal Assistance
Entrepreneur Assistance Law Clinic:
Obtain general legal assistance from Penn State Law. For general legal assistance, including founder and employee agreements, business entity formation, etc., fill out this form.
Intellectual Property Law Clinic:
Obtain legal assistance related to intellectual property from Penn State Law. For specific legal assistance regarding intellectual property, including patent and trademark applications, fill out this form.
Experienceship Program
For companies, apply to obtain access to student interns funded by the university. For students, apply to gain professional experience as an intern. Learn more about the application process.
Innovation Grants
Obtain financial assistance, up to $5K, to sponsor projects at The Learning Factory in the College of Engineering. The Learning Factory offers prototyping, testing, and development services using engineering students.
Garber Venture Capital Fund
The Garber Fund is one of the nation’s largest and most active student-centric venture fund. Apply to obtain access to early-stage venture capital funding.
How Propel Business Works:
• Smeal graduate students and alumni seeking assistance should complete the online form.
• Applicants will be contacted within two business days to assist with their specific needs.
• Direct questions to Michael Zaydon, Propel Business Program Director, at [email protected] or 814-865-8673.