Your Trusted Partner for Launching and Growing Your Business
The Hofstra University Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a designated New York State Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC), is your comprehensive resource for turning your entrepreneurial vision into a thriving reality. Our flagship community initiative, the EAC 10-Week Program, equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the exciting world of business ownership with confidence. Community initiatives within the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Hofstra University, provide comprehensive support and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners on Long Island and in the metropolitan area. Our mission is to empower individuals to start, grow, and expand successful businesses.
- Over 1,467 participants trained
- More than 430 businesses started
- 1,108 jobs created
- $39.69 million in revenue
- $19.66 million in financing secured.
Programs and Services
EAC 10-Week Program
- A 10-week, 60-hour intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to expand their businesses.
- Covers all aspects of starting and running a business, from ideation to operations, marketing, finance, and more.
- Partially funded by Empire State Development.
ASCEND
- Hands-on technical assistance with the New York State Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification application process and priority processing.
- MWBE Certification can open doors to new business and procurement opportunities with New York state agencies.
Viscardi
We’re offering a series of virtual Small Business Workshops for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, in collaboration with The Viscardi Center. We welcome participants with a broad range of disabilities, visible or nonvisible, looking to build or expand their businesses as we appreciate business ownership is a viable employment pathway to financial independence.
QuickBooks Training
The QuickBooks workshop program provides skills for using an accounting software program to create and customize a complete recordkeeping system. Topics include tracking credit card transactions, invoicing customers, setting up inventory, tracking and paying sales tax and more.
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF)
Webinars for small businesses, minority and women-owned businesses, nonprofits, and small residential landlords reopening after the pandemic.
MWBE Certification Assistance
- Hands-on technical assistance with the New York State Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification application process and priority processing.
- MWBE Certification can open doors to new business and procurement opportunities with New York state agencies.
Digital Marketing Programs
Digital Marketing Webinars and Bootcamps equip small business owners with skills in marketing strategies, revenue generation, customer acquisition, social media, email marketing, and more.
About the EAC
The Hofstra University EAC has a rich history, building upon the foundation laid by the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center. Since 1991, we've empowered countless entrepreneurs on Long Island and beyond to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. The Entrepreneurial Assistance Center, established as a designated New York State Entrepreneurial Assistance Center, has been empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region since 1991. The EAC has received Outstanding Performance Awards from Empire State Development Corp. in 2009, 2013, and 2019.