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Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center
Also known as: Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, Cottrell Center
West Chester University · West Chester, PA
The Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center at West Chester University promotes entrepreneurship within the university, Chester County, and throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Located in the Business and Public Management Center, it offers seminars, workshops, guest lectures, internships, consulting teams, and an annual speaker series. Hosts the Business Idea Challenge, Social Innovation Competition, Entrepreneur in Residence program, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the CEO student club. Executive Director: Patricia Diggin. Under the direction of Monica A. Zimmerman, PhD, CPA.
Quick fit check
- Indirect support only
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
—
Equity
None
Application
Ongoing
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-06-24
High confidence
Application and Timing
Center is ongoing; individual programs have their own cycles. Business Idea Challenge submissions due February. Social Innovation Competition typically fall semester.
Participants
Open to WCU students (undergraduate and graduate), alumni, Chester County startups and professionals, and the broader Southeastern PA community.
Funding and Equity
Provides indirect access via programs and competitions. Explicit prize pools in Idea Challenge ($11,500) and Social Innovation Competition ($5,000). Connects with investor networks (Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic). No equity taken for center participation.
Recent Activity
- 2025-2026: Bronwyn Martin named Entrepreneur in Residence.
- 2025 (Nov 7): Social Innovation Challenge held with $5,000 prize pool.
- 2024: 12th Annual Business Idea Challenge ($11,500 pool).
- 2023-2026: Active social media and news coverage of recurring competitions.
- Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week participation.
Known Startups or Winners
- Second Hand Celebrations — Social Innovation Competition winner (Karaman, student venture, re-use/celebration goods).
- Various student and alumni ventures through Idea Challenge and Social Innovation Competition (specific names not fully captured).
Verification Gaps
- Complete list of startup winners and outcomes not compiled.
- Innovation Fund details and current activity level.
- Women's Entrepreneurship program specifics.
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
- Cottrell Center official page.[1]
- Cottrell Center programs page.[2]
- i2n article on Business Idea Challenge.[3]
- Social Innovation Competition site.[4]
- Research report.[5]
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center at West Chester University.
3 sources
i2n (CCEDC initiative)
Business Idea Challenge 2024 Coverage
i2n article (Jan 29, 2024) on 12th Annual Business Idea Competition. $11,500 prize pool, four tracks (undergrad, grad/alumni, Chester County startups, Chester County high school). Grand prize $2,500, track prizes $1,500/$750. Partners: Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, i2n.
Read on i2n (CCEDC initiative)
Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center Official Page
West Chester University
West Chester University
Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center Official Page
Official Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center page. Documents mission, location, contact (Patricia Diggin, Executive Director), primary goals, and sub-programs (Innovation Fund, Entrepreneurship Minor, Women's Entrepreneurship, Programs).
Read on West Chester University
West Chester University
Cottrell Center Programs Page
Cottrell Center programs page listing Entrepreneur in Residence (since 2010, annual, Bronwyn Martin 2025-2026), Business Idea Challenge (annual, Meridian Bank sponsor), Social Innovation Challenge ($5,000 pool, Nov 7, 2025), Global Entrepreneurship Week, CEO entrepreneurship club, Saxbys student-run cafe, and past Santander programs.
Read on West Chester University