The Schulze School of Entrepreneurship

The Schulze School is a one-of-a-kind center for entrepreneurial education and community resources. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, as well as community resources to support new ventures, family businesses and corporate entrepreneurs. In a world of challenges, the Schulze School cultivates the next generation of entrepreneurial problem solvers and innovators.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Action

At the Schulze School, we teach students to use entrepreneurial skills to solve problems that matter and create value for others. Learn to:

Identify and evaluate new opportunities
Transform innovations into sustainable businesses
Forge connections with fellow student innovators and seasoned entrepreneurs
Build a solid foundation for long-term success.

The education you’ll receive at the Schulze School is experiential and practical, and you’ll learn both in the classroom and out in the field. You’ll gain highly applicable, concrete skills to use in the real world, whether you start your own business or drive innovation and strategic growth for an existing business or social enterprise.

Schulze is more than a school—it’s a hub of innovative thinking that engages students, seasoned entrepreneurs, small businesses, change makers and leaders. Innovators from all disciplines come to the Schulze School to explore new opportunities, make connections and turn their ideas into reality.

Family Business Center

The Family Business Center is a vibrant community of business families, students, researchers and advisers. For nearly 30 years, the Center has offered practical tools and strategies that help individuals, families and businesses function at their best. Monthly breakfasts explore issues that affect the ecosystem of business families.

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Schulze Innovation Fund

The Schulze Innovation Fund invests in St. Thomas entrepreneurial students and alumni to help them launch and develop their businesses.

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William C. Norris Institute

The Norris Institute’s seed capital fund invests in innovative Minnesota companies in the early stages of growth. The institute offers this financial support after a rigorous vetting process, and to startups that address important unmet societal needs.

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A group of students gathered together at an event.

01 / 03

Making Connections in the Music Industry

As far back as she can remember, Natalie Gillespie-Gaskins ‘18 has loved music. Now she's taking her passion to New York City.

02 / 03

Meet the Ecopreneur Who Loves to Talk Trash

Jason Utgaard's eco-friendly products include recycled skateboard coasters and fire hose wallets.

03 / 03

Entrepreneurship: More Than Just Start-ups

St. Thomas prepares students to start a business venture, contribute to an existing company and be business leaders in their local communities.

60K

The Fowler Business Concept Challenge awards $60,000 in scholarships each year.

100K

Over $100,000 is awarded annually in St. Thomas entrepreneurship student competitions.

13.8

Undergraduate alumni who engaged with the Schulze School in the last 10 years have raised $13.8 million in funding.

Events

All Events

06/04/19

Steve Bullock: A Witness to History

Steve Bullock '81 MBA endured the Jim Crow laws of the South and rose to become interim president of the American Red Cross.

05/25/19

Sights and Sounds: 2019 Graduate Commencement

Today more than 1,200 graduate students became the newest alumni from St. Thomas.

05/24/19

Sights and Sounds: 2019 Undergraduate Commencement

The annual March Through the Arches, undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies bring the St. Thomas community together to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2019. Sights and Sounds highlight some of the many thoughts, experiences and memories from the year’s biggest celebration of Tommies. “Graduates, the entire St. Thomas community shares your pride on […]