Entrepreneurship Initiative

Harold Grinspoon, real estate entrepreneur, founded the Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative (EI) in 2003 (a program of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation) to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship and recognize entrepreneurial excellence among college students. A regional collaboration of Pioneer Valley colleges and universities, Grinspoon EI hosts an annual spring “Celebration of Entrepreneurial Spirit” Banquet, and recognizes outstanding students with Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards. 
 
Grinspoon EI delivers annually

• Successful collaboration among 14 Participating colleges and universities led by entrepreneurial-minded faculty
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards exceeding $700,000 to over 1,000 students since 2003
• Annual spring CELEBRATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, including a live Elevator Pitch Competition (sponsored by local community banks) and Entrepreneur Showcase, celebrates the region's entrepreneurial spirit

 

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Participating Colleges

American International College	Marshall Epstein
Amherst College	Stephanie Hockman
Bay Path University	Gillian Amaral
Elms College	Amanda Garcia
Greenfield Community College	Ryan Costello
Hampshire College
Holyoke Community College	Ellen Majka
Mt. Holyoke College	Rick Feldman
Smith College
Springfield College	Pam Baran, Heather Gilmour
Springfield Technical Community College	Diane Sabato
University of Massachusetts	Gregory Thomas
Western New England University	Mary Schoonmaker
Westfield State University	Tony Furnelli and Kim Sherman