Center for Entrepreneurship

student-entrepreneurship-center

Monmouth University, Leon Hess Business School, West Long Branch, NJ. Serves students across all 33 majors.

Central entrepreneurship hub at Monmouth University, reimagined and relaunched ~2022 under director Alison Gilbert. Offers two pathways: Personal Inc. Path (skill development for any career) and Business Impact Path (venture building from idea to MVP to market-fit). Houses the E-Lab Venture Development Program (flexible self-paced venture development) and organizes the annual HawkTank pitch competition. Serves 100+ entrepreneurs through its various programs. Director Gilbert was named to ROI-NJ's ROI Influencers: Women 2026 list.

• One-on-one coaching and mentorship
• E-Lab Venture Development Program (self-paced)
• HawkTank pitch competition entry
• Networking and community events
• Jersey Shore Tech and Design lightning talks

No direct funding from CFE. HawkTank provides cash prizes (~$10K pool). Underserved Communities Accelerator ($640K federal) provides programming.

Rolling engagement. Students fill out interest form → meet with director → engage in E-Lab at own pace. HawkTank has annual spring cycle.

Monmouth University students of any year and any major. Community entrepreneurs via specific programs.

• monmouth-hawktank
• monmouth-underserved-accelerator