There is no charge for any of the CIE consulting services. This is made possible by private and philanthropic donations made to HU and the CIE. For the services provided by CIE to participants in the startup incubator program, participants do issue to HU a percentage of its equity.

Whether you already run a business, have an idea for a new one, or just want to have a conversation, let’s chat.

Complete the contact form and the CIE will reach out to you.

You will then speak with a team member who will assist you in thinking through your idea to determine the next best steps for your business. The CIE team is here to help you start your business; however, the CIE cannot run your business for you.

Once we receive your completed contact form, a CIE team member will generally contact you within 7-10 business days.

At your initial meeting, a CIE team member will ask you questions about your business idea, determine a course of action, and identify areas that each of you will be responsible for completing. The CIE team member will then follow up with an email detailing your meeting and listing the next steps each of you will work on, along with an estimated time frame for completion.

To receive assistance from the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, your business must be located in Pennsylvania. Also, you should have an idea, be motivated, and coachable.

We do not provide financing; rather, our assistance is technical and educational in nature. We can, however, help you identify sources for financing and will work with you to meet the requirements of financing organizations.

We work with banks and other lending agencies and organizations to assist in putting together financial projections, but the actual financing comes from outside sources. Generally, you should start with the bank where you normally do business and have established accounts. You may have to apply with several lending institutions or look for alternative sources such as outside investors or special county loan programs.

Generally, grants are not available for starting a small business. There are grants through federal and state resources, as well as the private sector, for some research and development projects, high-tech businesses, and other specialized areas. Your local public library will have complete listings in the Reference Department.