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The Ernest M. Hodge Center for Entrepreneurship

A "First"!

The Hodge Center’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program (EIRP) enables Norfolk State students to serve as consultants to prospective entrepreneurs as well as to actual for- and not-for-profit businesses seeking growth opportunities in the Hampton Roads area. In the case of the former, students assist hopeful entrepreneurs as they perform market research, develop comprehensive business plans, investigate sources of financing, and launch their new ventures. In the latter instance, guided by clients’ senior executives and NSU faculty, EIRP students develop solutions to today’s complex business problems and present their recommendations to management. NSU’s EIRP is the first such program at one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The EIRP gives students the opportunity to interface with an actual client; develop creative and critical thinking skills; refine interpersonal skills; build confidence; and gain real-world experience helpful in a job search. This bridge between business students and the business community also provides students with useful insight into the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, business managers and effective leaders. And it does all of this while providing a valuable service to the community.

To maintain the quality of the educational experience, admission into the EIRP is selective. Admission requires: (1) a GPA of 3.0 or higher; (2) a letter of recommendation from a faculty member/advisor; (3) an interview with the staff of the Hodge Center; and (4) a notice of acceptance from the Director of The Ernest M. Hodge Center for Entrepreneurship. Upon successful completion of EIRP, students earn 3 elective credits toward graduation.