Georgetown Entrepreneurship: A Powerful Force for Positive Change

Entrepreneurs tackle the world’s toughest challenges and identify solutions to make the world a better place. They are visionaries, disrupters, creators, and doers that build businesses from ideas and serve as catalysts for change. On National Entrepreneur’s Day, we recognize the contributions of the many entrepreneurs — both at Georgetown and around the world — that use innovation as a force for good. 

Georgetown Entrepreneurship continues to create space for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore their passions and translate ideas into new ventures. Rooted in the Jesuit values of serving others, Georgetown entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to use their vision and talents to create meaningful impact on the world around them. 

In the 2020-2021 Annual Report, Georgetown Entrepreneurship celebrates the various events, curriculum, programs, and communities that exemplify the unique entrepreneurial spirit of Georgetown.

“Supported by our Jesuit values, the distinctive notion of entrepreneurship for the common good has set us apart from other top programs,” said Jeff Reid, founding director of Georgetown Entrepreneurship. “Our diverse and inclusive community has never failed to rise to the occasion to support one another, promote social justice, and help solve the world’s problems. This annual report shows what our brilliant community has achieved —  even in the face of a global pandemic.”

A few highlights from the past academic year include: 

• The Georgetown Venture Lab: Newly relocated at a WeWork facility near the Georgetown Law Center, the Venture Lab offers alumni entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business alongside their peers, gain one-on-one entrepreneurship coaching, and participate in private pitch events with the Georgetown Angel Investment Network (GAIN).   

• The Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize: The Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize is Georgetown University’s premier pitch event of the year, highlighting eight of the most promising undergraduate and graduate student ventures at the “Bark Tank” event. In 2020 and again in 2021, the Leonsis Family generously donated $150,000 to support the ventures of all participating students and alumni.

• Pivot Program: The Georgetown University Pivot Program is a custom certificate in business and entrepreneurship, designed specifically for individuals returning to the community from incarceration. The program provides access to career and professional opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach, while also changing the perception of individuals with a prior conviction. 41 Pivot Fellows have graduated from the program over three cohorts. 
• Georgetown Startup Accelerator and Demo Day: Georgetown Startup Accelerator is a virtual nine-week program that brings together Georgetown alumni entrepreneurs in early-stage startups with experienced mentors, peers, and experts to accelerate their business progress. Demo Day showcases the pitches of 13 exciting early-stage startups, giving attendees the ability to participate with the founders and learn more about how they can be a part of the company’s growth. Watch the virtual recording of Georgetown Startup Accelerator Demo Day on November 16.