Welcome to the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship!
The Housatonic Community College Foundation, along with the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, are partnering with the NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur program to fund students’ businesses. During the spring semester, there will be an Everyday Entrepreneur Program Pitch Competition awarding funds over $12,000, of which $4,000 will be funded by the NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur Program. These funds will help students to launch and grow their businesses.
About the Center
The Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was established in 2021 at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. Center Funding is provided by Peter Werth and the Housatonic Community College Foundation.
The mission of the Center is to support high school, college students and community members in their entrepreneurial aspirations, whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing business.
Center resources include a Makerspace with 3D printers, silkscreen, a UV imprinter, electronics station, workbench with hand tools, a fashion center with sewing and embroidery machines, including privileges to an offsite music studio and commercial kitchen.
Once prototypes of a product or service have been developed, the Center offers access to a high-end design computer with full Adobe Suite and color printer to create marketing materials.
Werth Center members also receive business coaching, admission to business workshops and free how-to guides.
Members are eligible to compete for encouragement grants and loan guarantees. The Center promotes member products and services through two brick-and-mortar outlet stores and an online platform.
For more information or to arrange a visit to the Center call 203-332-8526 or email.
Start Your Business
Learn how to explore an idea and have your business become reality with a workshop about Ideation.
Be hands on to create your prototype in Makerspace using 3D printers, silkscreening, a UV imprinter, electronics station, workbench with hand tools, a fashion center with sewing and embroidery machines, and privileges to an offsite music studio and commercial kitchen. Once your prototype product or service have been developed, the Center offers access to a high-end design computer with full Adobe Suite and color printer to create marketing materials.
Grow Your Business
Do you have an existing business that you want to grow? Learn more from an experienced Business Mentor and participate in one-hour workshops about business formation, financial statements and more. The Center offers a variety of programs featuring your business with Elevator Pitch Competitions, Student Entrepeneur Pop Up Showcases, and the opportunity to market your business in the Student Entrepreneur Gallery. The Center also offers networking opportunities for you to meet with other area entrepreneurs who offer advice and guidance.
Business Coaches
Meet with an area professional who knows about being an entrepreneur as they have started (and grew) their business. Center Business Coaches work directly with you to take your business to the next level. Contact us today to set up a one-to-one meeting with you to advance your business vision and growth potential.