Howard University: A Catalyst for Change
Howard University is a bastion of excellence and a catalyst for change. This historically Black College and University (HBCU) has long been at the forefront of educating and empowering diverse minds, and its latest venture, the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, is no exception. Spearheaded by a visionary team led by National Executive Director Erin Horne McKinney, this Center is revolutionizing entrepreneurship and innovation across the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and empowering entrepreneurs nationwide. It enhances the success and growth of Black-owned businesses by providing programming, capital, curriculum, research, and other resources in collaboration with HBCUs and their surrounding communities.
The Genesis of a Visionary Initiative
The National Center was born from a significant partnership and a generous gift. “The PNC Foundation catapulted the vision into reality with a game-changing five-year, $16.8 million grant to establish this transformative center,” shares Dr. Johnny Graham, Associate Director of the National Center. This substantial investment has paved the way for a national mission to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and support business owners nationwide. The Center operates with a hub and spoke model, with the National Center headquartered at Howard University in Washington D.C., and regional centers at Howard, Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Morgan State University in Baltimore, and Texas Southern University in Houston, each commanding a four to six-state footprint of impact.
The Center officially launched in the spring of 2023 and has quickly become a hub of innovation and collaboration. “The vision is to be a catalyst for economic opportunity for HBCU students, HBCU alums, and Black entrepreneurs broadly,” says Erin Horne McKinney, the National Center’s National Executive Director. “There are significant barriers to Black entrepreneurship, so when we think about how to solve those problems, who better to do that than HBCUs? Some of our greatest minds and thinkers have come through these institutions, and they have created significant change.”
Dr. Graham says: “This initiative is truly special because it provides opportunities and support to develop both the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, not only on Howard University’s campus but also at over 101 HBCUs across the nation.”
“By sharing best practices and collaborating, we can make a difference for students and faculty, providing solutions for entrepreneurs in our communities,” he explains. “Every day, we make decisions that provide capital, insights, research support, and programming with regional and national impact.” His dedication shines through as he states: “That’s why I do what I do. The ability to make such an impact is why I’m thrilled to get up and work for this Center every morning.”
Building a National Ecosystem
At the heart of the National Center’s mission is the commitment to building a robust, national ecosystem of innovation. This involves a multifaceted approach, addressing everything from access to capital to comprehensive programming. One of the standout initiatives is the annual Black Commerce conference, which convenes students, faculty, staff, innovators, and ecosystem builders from around the country. “The Black Commerce conference is a place where we connect and empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs,” explains Dr. Graham. The conference features workshops, panel discussions, and resource fairs, all designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools they need to succeed.
Empowering Through Education and Research
Education is a cornerstone of the National Center’s strategy. The Entrepreneurship Education Innovation Grant Program provides up to $25,000 to HBCUs to develop and enhance their entrepreneurship curricula and programs. These grants help launch entrepreneurship centers, host pitch competitions, and create courses that foster entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, the Faculty Fellowship Program offers HBCU faculty members the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on Black entrepreneurship. Each fellow receives a $10,000 award, contributing to a growing body of scholarship that informs and inspires future entrepreneurs.
Its commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs is evident in its HBCU Startup Scholars Program. This program provides $10,000 awards to HBCU student entrepreneurs, complemented by business consulting, workshops, and networking events. “Our scholars are the ambassadors of entrepreneurship on their campuses,” asserts Dr. Graham. “They represent the future of Black business innovation.”
Innovation at the Core
“Innovation means forward-thinking,” Dr. Graham states. “Innovation is advancing society through business, technology, social impact, and beyond. It’s about making the world a better place in a unique and impactful way. That’s the intentional mission of our Center – to fuel and champion innovation, exactly as it should be.” The Center embodies this philosophy by fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
One of the Center’s most innovative aspects is its hub-and-spoke model, which connects and supports a network of institutions. “This model allows us to share resources, best practices, and collaborate effectively,” he shares. “Our Center is unique for this to be established with HBCUs to build a network of support and collaboration around innovation ecosystems.”
Dr. Graham highlights the comprehensive nature of the initiative: “We are supporting and providing programs at national, regional, and local levels. Our programs address all aspects of an ecosystem, bringing them together. Supporting faculty and students related to innovation, building the institution’s capacity, and aiding entrepreneurs in the community – all within one resource, one hub, one initiative.”
A Bright Future
As the Center moves forward, its vision remains clear and ambitious. “We’re just getting started,” Dr. Graham emphasizes. The Center aims to increase its support for faculty research, leading to more commercialization opportunities and a more significant economic impact. The Center is also on a mission to expand beyond the campuses of HBCUs and provide entrepreneurship programming and resources to those in the community.
The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and dedication. Its comprehensive programs and unwavering commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs reshape the landscape of entrepreneurship education at HBCUs, illuminating the path forward for Black entrepreneurs across the nation.
