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 two high-profile events, 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 (link to Participating Colleges and Universities Page) 
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards exceeding $600,000 to over 760 students since 2003
• Annual fall Entrepreneurship Conference with almost 500 student attendees. Speakers and hands-on sessions for early-stage entrepreneurs.
• Annual spring Banquet attended each year by 450 students, faculty, college presidents, and business leaders. 
• Annual Elevator Pitch Competition sponsored by community banks. There have been over 190 Pitch Contestants and 14 winners. 

 

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Participating Colleges

American International College	Marshall Epstein
Amherst College	Emily Griffen
Bay Path	Laurie Rosner
Elms College	Amanda Garcia
Greenfield Community College	Michelle Barthelemy
Hampshire College	Daniel Ross
Holyoke Community College	Ellen Majka
Mt. Holyoke College	Tamara Stenn
Smith College	Susannah Howe, Rene Heavlow
Springfield College	Pam Baran, Eileen Cyr
Springfield Technical Community College	Diane Sabato
University of Massachusetts	Bob Lowry, Birton Cowden
Western New England University	Mary Schoonmaker
Westfield State University	Kim Sherman, Bradford Knipes