Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Bucknell's Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation serves as a catalyst that helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset — one that is resilient, resourceful, curious and solutions-focused. By providing experiential learning opportunities, the center equips students with a versatile set of skills that will enhance their ability to navigate complex problems, transform challenges into opportunities and contribute meaningfully to diverse fields.
The center helps students from all three of Bucknell's colleges develop entrepreneurial skills through a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem. Taking the concept beyond the classroom, students engage in hands-on opportunities that allow them to create products, imagine innovative new businesses and consider solutions to global problems in any discipline. With a focus on ethics and the common good, the center's program teaches students to take purposeful, experiential action to bring new ideas to life.
The Entrepreneurship Minor
The entrepreneurship minor is for students who are interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset as well as the knowledge, skills and abilities to enact entrepreneurial ideas in private, nonprofit, public, hybrid, cross-sectoral, socially-oriented or sustainability-oriented organizations.
Resources to Support Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Apply for Seed Funding
The P-G CE&I provides grants of $500 to $2000 to support students who wish to pursue innovative or entrepreneurial endeavors. All current students in good standing who are enrolled at the time of application and completion of the project are eligible for this funding.
BizPitch Competition
Bucknell's annual BizPitch Competition offers students the opportunity to present early-stage concepts for new products, services or their own startup companies.
Bucknell's Small Business Development Center
The SBDC gives entrepreneurs the knowledge and skills they need to start and grow successful businesses.
Incubators
Members have access to office space and conference rooms, business consulting services, broadband internet service, printers, copiers, mailboxes and the opportunity to network with students, faculty and staff.
Makerspaces
In support of the Maker Movement, Bucknell offers three distinct spaces where students are free to explore, create and imagine.
The Nifty Idea Fund
The Nifty Idea fund in the College of Engineering awards up to $500 for independent student projects (no faculty research or course projects will be supported). Students from all majors are welcome to apply. If your application is approved, you will be asked to develop a more detailed budget and bill of materials. MakerSpace personnel are available to help at any point during the application process.
Workshops & Consultation
Media Training
Media Training will help you master the art of clear, confident communication in front of cameras and microphones. Learn key strategies for handling interviews, delivering impactful messages and managing challenging questions. Perfect for students looking to enhance their media presence and effectively represent themselves and their ideas while building a personal brand.
Storytelling Training
Storytelling Training will enhance your communication skills and help you be more effective in how you describe your experiences and ideas. Learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, connect emotionally and drive engagement. Ideal for students seeking to use storytelling to influence, inspire and communicate with impact.
“I have an idea” consultation
Receive personalized guidance on refining your concept, developing a strategy and identifying the next steps to turn your vision into reality. Perfect for innovators and entrepreneurs at any stage of the creative process.
Please reach out to Erin Jablonski at erin.jablonski@bucknell.edu
The Bucknell Forum
2024-25
National Speaker Series
NBC News Washington correspondent Yamiche Alcindor; comedian, TV host and producer W. Kamau Bell; pioneering actor and social justice activist George Takei; and entrepreneur, investor and Shark Tank panelist Kevin O’Leary (presented in partnership with the Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation) will appear for the 2024-25 Bucknell Forum speaker series. The speakers will address the series theme, "World in Transition," which reflects upon the dynamic and rapidly changing global landscape we are experiencing today.
The Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will encompass space and resources that provide a creative, action-oriented environment for the entire Bucknell community.
For more information about the center, contact:
- Erin Jablonski
Director, Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
216 Taylor Hall
erin.jablonski@bucknell.edu
Faculty Fellows
- Charles Kim
Professor of mechanical engineering
charles.kim@bucknell.edu - Emily Martin
Ellen P. Williams Associate Professor in music
e.martin@bucknell.edu - William Meek
Campbell Rutledge Jr. and Eleanor Rutledge Professor of management and entrepreneurship
wrm011@bucknell.edu
Affiliated Staff
- Steve Stumbris
Director of Bucknell's Small Business Development Center
steven.stumbris@bucknell.edu - Brianne Croteau
Associate director of philanthropy and stewardship events
brianne.croteau@bucknell.edu - Katherine Furlong
Dean of library services
kaf035@bucknell.edu
If you are interested in supporting the Center with a gift, please contact:
- Abby Gulden-Luthi '05
Associate director of strategic philanthropy programs
afgulden@bucknell.edu
(570) 577-3240