Resource: Northern Kentucky University Fifth Third Bank Entrepreneurship Institute

Northern Kentucky’s Fifth Third Bank Entrepreneurship Institute may be one of the newest among regional universities and colleges, but it is starting to make a name for itself. “We think that there is a huge untapped resource here,” says program director John Clarkin, an associate professor for entrepreneurship at NKU. “We really cater to the students from outside the business school.” “We really think that distinguishes this program from others in the country.” Clarkin helped build the program over the past 10 years ago after running a similar program at the College of Charleston (S.C.). He is the process of handing over the reins to a successor that hasn’t been picked yet. But he thinks the program is on the right track. “The goal is to make sure the students come through program and go out into community and have a much smoother transition from college life into real life,” Clarkin says. “And I think we’re getting there … and that’s why I feel I can step away.” In addition, the institute works very closely with the NKU’s Small Business Development Center, which provides free or low-cost consulting or project work for regional businesses. And the entrepreneurship program specializes in placing interns with area companies. And the institute also brings students and area business leaders together at least twice a year for major conferences and speeches, such as the one coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 16 featuring Dan Meyer and Richard Palmer of Nehemiah Manufacturing Company – who will speak on “building brands, creating jobs, and changing lives in our community.” “At any given time, there are a lot of students learning about entrepreneurship all over our campus, and you can’t ask for much more than that,” Clarkin says. Information about the NKU Fifth Third Entrepreneurship Institute. The Nov. 16 speaker. Information about the Small Business Development Center at NKU. By James Pilcher