INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Supporting
Small Businesses
Across Long Island and Beyond

The Hofstra University Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers a full ecosystem of community programs, partnerships, and training designed to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale successful businesses. At the heart of our work are the EAC 10-Week Program and ASCEND — a proven, state-supported framework empowering aspiring and established business owners on Long Island area.

Empire State Development Outstanding Performance

2009 · 2013 · 2019

Programs and Services

EAC 10-Week Program

A 10-week, 60-hour intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to expand their businesses. Covers all aspects of starting and running a business — from ideation to operations, marketing, finance, and more. Partially funded by Empire State Development.

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ASCEND

Hands-on technical assistance with the New York State Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification application process and priority processing. MWBE Certification opens doors to new business and procurement opportunities with New York state agencies.

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MWBE Certification Assistance

Direct, hands-on technical assistance guiding minority and women-owned businesses through the New York State MWBE Certification process — from application to approval — unlocking procurement opportunities with state agencies.

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COLLABORATIONS

Partnerships & Custom Programs

Build the skills you need to start, manage, and grow your business with confidence. Our Entrepreneur Skill-Building Programs provide practical, hands-on training in the core areas every small business owner needs to succeed in today’s marketplace. From digital marketing and financial management to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, these programs are designed to help you strengthen your capabilities and make smarter business decisions.

Whether you are launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, our workshops and training sessions offer actionable insights you can apply immediately.

We also work closely with community organizations to expand our reach. Through our partnership with Nevalliance, we host recurring events including the Black Business Month Mixer — an annual celebration connecting Black entrepreneurs with opportunities, mentors, and the broader Long Island business community. We have also proudly collaborated with The Viscardi Center and AARP to extend entrepreneurship education to entrepreneurs with disabilities and experienced business owners across Long Island.

BBIP

The Bioscience Innovation Program (BBIP) supports entrepreneurs and innovators in the life sciences and bioscience sectors on Long Island, connecting them with resources, mentors, and growth opportunities.

Chambers of Commerce

We partner with local Chambers of Commerce across Long Island and the metropolitan area to deliver entrepreneurship education, workshops, and resources directly within business communities.

Social Innovation Summit

A collaborative pilot program with SUNY Old Westbury and Nassau Community College focused on mission-driven impact and sustainability for aspiring nonprofit leaders.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Entrepreneur Skill Building Programs

We equip business owners with the practical tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing marketplace — from core financial and marketing skills to the latest advances in artificial intelligence. Our workshops are designed to keep you competitive, informed, and ready to grow.

QuickBooks Training

Hands-on workshops providing skills for using QuickBooks to create and customize a complete recordkeeping system. Topics include tracking credit card transactions, invoicing customers, setting up inventory, tracking and paying sales tax, and more.

AI-POWERED

AI for Business Growth

Free virtual workshops bringing cutting-edge AI tools to small business owners. Sessions include AI & Social Media Marketing — practical strategies to grow your audience, generate content, and schedule smarter — Leveraging Google Analytics to decode your website data and sharpen marketing decisions, and Building an Online Store with Shopify to launch and scale your e-commerce business. All workshops free, led by industry experts.

Digital Marketing Programs

Digital Marketing Webinars and Bootcamps equipping small business owners with skills in marketing strategy, revenue generation, customer acquisition, social media, email marketing, and more.