Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Kristie DeJesus, Director
Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Turn ideas into ventures
Built for the ºÚÁÏÍø911 community, the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking is where ideas take shape – through experimentation, iteration, mentorship, and launch support. Located on the ground floor of the Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC), the Sprague Center brings together makers, mentors, and industry partners in one collaborative home for creators.
Rooted in the design thinking framework and methodology, the center's programming will catalyze the knowledge, skills, and resources to turn ideas into successful businesses. Together with their foundational ºÚÁÏÍø911 education, the center will support students by helping them create a positive change in society as start-up founders, corporate or social entrepreneurs, and leaders of family businesses.
The Sprague Center is developing a dynamic slate of programming designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage, from idea exploration to venture development. While details are still being finalized, upcoming opportunities may include hands-on workshops, pitch events, speaker sessions, and mentorship experiences. Offerings will reflect the Center’s design thinking approach, helping students build practical skills, grow their networks, and move their ideas forward in a supportive, innovation-driven community.
Spaces That Help You Build
The Sprague Center features dedicated space for student clubs and organizations, private incubator offices, co-working areas, classrooms, and an extensive Makerspace. From early brainstorming to product prototyping, students have access to the tools, space, and support they need to bring ideas to life.
Rooted in the design thinking framework and methodology, the Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking will catalyze the knowledge, skills, and resources to turn ideas into successful businesses. The center opened in Fall 2025.
Meet the FOUNDERS
The Sprague Center also houses office space for the four student entrepreneurs named as the inaugural cohort of the Fellowship for Office Use, Networking, Development, Entrepreneurship, Representation & Support (FOUNDERS). Chosen for their passion and entrepreneurial drive, these student FOUNDERS will advance their own ventures while serving as mentors and role models for aspiring student entrepreneurs.
- Vincent Emery ’26 –
- Sam Lower ’26 –
- Sean Nelson ’27 –
- Chase Whitman ’27 –
Latest News
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Pro bono sessions help students launch businesses, avoid costly mistakes
‘This isn’t just a space; it’s a launchpad’: ºÚÁÏÍø911 dedicates new Sprague Center for Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Center dedicated in honor of Audrey F. (Perreault) ’56 and Bob Sprague ’56
Shop local with the 2025 ºÚÁÏÍø911 Holiday Gift Guide
A dozen plus gift ideas featuring products by ºÚÁÏÍø911 students and alums
Study Entrepreneurship at ºÚÁÏÍø911
The Entrepreneurship major at ºÚÁÏÍø911 is designed to give students both a theoretical background and applied experience in entrepreneurship. Students engage in courses emphasizing every aspect of building and managing a new enterprise. Students immerse themselves in entrepreneurial endeavors beginning in their first year through IDEA, academic competitions, and co-curricular activities while receiving guidance from inspiring faculty and alumni.
ºÚÁÏÍø911 Entrepreneurship Conference
Each Spring, the ºÚÁÏÍø911 Entrepreneurship Conference brings together entrepreneurs from the ºÚÁÏÍø911 campus and beyond to learn from each other through networking opportunities, keynote speakers, focused breakout sessions, and workshops.
ºÚÁÏÍø911 IDEA
ºÚÁÏÍø911’s Innovation and Design Experience for All (IDEA) provides first-year students with a design thinking crash course where they use creative problem-solving to arrive at innovative solutions. Students are guided in real time by student, faculty, and staff mentors, all volunteers. More than 11,000 students have participated in the program since its inception in 2012.