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Elon University
Elon, North Carolina·Private
At a glance
Indexed programs
6
6 currently active
Top direct funding
No direct cash prizes indexed
Equity
No equity on indexed programs
Program mix
6
Venture Fund · Entrepreneurship Center · Pitch Competition
Research verdict
Research in progress.
Programs to explore
Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.
6 programs indexed
Elon University
Elon University is a private liberal arts university in Elon, North Carolina, with approximately 7,000 students. Its entrepreneurship ecosystem is anchored by the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business.
Ecosystem Overview
- Central hub: Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Sankey Hall)
- Director: Alyssa Martina
- Scholars program: Innovation Scholars (15/year, $5K annually, 4-year program with LLC and travel)
- Pitch competition: Elon Innovation Challenge ($2,500 grand prize, workshops)
- Student vendor community: Oak Originals (50+ vendors, pop-up markets)
- Student grants: Acorn Fund (up to $5K/project, ~$10K total annually)
- Prototyping: Kickbox ($300 gift card), Maker Hub (free 3D printers, laser engravers)
- Legal: Elon Law Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic (free for students)
News & articles
6 news articles and official sources documenting entrepreneurship programs, winners, and activity at Elon University.
6 sources
Official sources(6)
Elon University
Acorn Fund
URL: https://www.elon.edu/u/sga/acorn-fund/ Captured: 2026-06-27 Student Government Association fund supporting student ventures and innovative projects. Annual allocation: ~$10,000 Maximum per project: $5,000 Micro-grants: Up to $2,000 (typically under $1,000) Open to all Elon undergraduate students. For-profit and non-profit ventures eligible.
Read on Elon University
Elon University
Doherty Center
URL: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/business/doherty-center/ Captured: 2026-06-27 The Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship focuses on experiential education that encourages creative and design thinking, opportunity recognition, and plan formulation and implementation. Sponsors entrepreneurship-themed co-curricular activities open to all majors. Housed on first floor of Richard W. Sankey Hall. Contact: 336.278.5992 or innovation@elon.edu
Read on Elon University
Elon University
Elon Innovation Challenge
URL: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/business/doherty-center/elon-innovation-challenge/ Captured: 2026-06-27 Annual pitch competition open to all Elon students. Workshop series and pitch sessions. 2026 Prizes: Grand Prize: $2,500 Dean's Prize: $1,500 Two Runner-Ups: $750 each Up to 10 "Get Started" Prizes: $250 each Eligibility: Currently enrolled Elon students, up to 5 per team. Idea or early-stage startup required.
Read on Elon University
Elon University
Innovation Scholars
URL: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/business/programs/innovation-scholars/ Captured: 2026-06-27 Selective 4-year program. 15 students selected per first-year class. $5,000 annually. Requirements: Minor in Entrepreneurship Studies Live in Innovation Living-Learning Community (Colonnades Neighborhood) first year 3.0 GPA minimum Activities: Innovation Challenge participation, entrepreneurship competitions, venture development, travel to Austin TX startup ecosystem, mentorship of younger scholars, leadership in UIF program, Women & Entrepreneurship conference. Ecosystem exploration visits to Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro.
Read on Elon University
Elon University
Oak Originals
URL: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/business/doherty-center/about-the-center/oak-originals-at-the-marketplace/ Captured: 2026-06-27 Initiative of the Doherty Center. Supports student micro-businesses, creatives, and "creative-preneurs." Services: Pop-up markets, showcases, stationery market in Clohan Dining Hall, workshops, business consulting, networking events. Community: 50+ current and former Elon student/alumni vendors. Partners: Elon Law Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic (free legal), AIGA (design), Maker Hub (prototyping), Elon Dining (pop-ups), Inn at Elon (showcase). Launched 2020 as "Marketplace Under the Oaks," rebranded 2022 to Oak Originals.
Read on Elon University
Elon University
Kickbox Program
Maker Hub innovation program. Students receive a box with guidance, resources, and a $300 gift card to develop their ideas. Open to all Elon students, any major/year. Spring semester program adapted from Adobe's internal Kickbox.
Read on Elon University
This profile lists 6 programs for Elon University. Some details may be outdated until a director verifies them.
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