Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship?
A: The Center is a national hub for entrepreneurship education, innovation and ecosystem building, created through a partnership between Howard University and the PNC Foundation. The Center supports students, alumni and faculty, as well as community entrepreneurs, through programs such as business pitch competitions, workshops and webinars, accelerator and incubator support, entrepreneurship curriculum development, and faculty training.

Q: Is the Center only for Howard University?
A: While headquartered at Howard University, the Center’s reach and structure is national. We support entrepreneurs across the country through partnerships, curriculum and programming. We also have regional hubs at Morgan State University (Baltimore), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), and Texas Southern University (Houston).

Q: Who can participate in the Center’s programs?
A: The Center provides a variety of programs for students, alumni, faculty and community entrepreneurs. While specific programs may have criteria around the stage of business, industry or student status, many of our online webinars, in-person events and workshops are open to anyone.

Q: How can community members or entrepreneurs outside of a college/university connect with the Center?
A: The Center has many programs and events available for community entrepreneurs. This includes in-person events such as our annual national conference, online webinars, and programs such as our Social Enterprise Bootcamp or Idea to App Accelerator. 

Q: Are there opportunities for faculty and educators?
A: Yes. The Center provides training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to integrate entrepreneurship into teaching and applied research, including through our Entrepreneurship Education Institute and Faculty Fellows programs. 

Q: Do I have to be an HBCU alumni to participate in programs?
A: You do not have to be an HBCU alumni to participate in the Center’s programs. We welcome and encourage participation and application to applicable programs from anyone who might be best served by the specific offerings.

Q8: Does the Center provide one-on-one business coaching or technical assistance?
A: The Center does not provide one-on-one business coaching or technical assistance, outside of select mentorship hours for specific programs such as our Startup Scholars or Prime Incubator programs.  

Q: Does the Center provide funding or grants to entrepreneurs?
A: Yes. The Center generally provides funding through pitch competitions or participation in specific programs with financial awards included. Specific eligibility requirements for each program are included in program descriptions provided on the Center’s website. The Center does not have an ongoing grant-funding program for entrepreneurs.

Q: What role does PNC play in the Center?
A: The PNC Foundation provides financial support to the Center. Neither PNC nor the PNC Foundation plays a role in determining who receives funding or grants through the Center’s pitch competitions or participation in specific programs; these decisions are made solely by the Center.

Q: How can corporations or organizations partner with the Center?
A: Organizations can partner through sponsorships, program collaborations, procurement opportunities for entrepreneurs, and direct investment in entrepreneurship initiatives.

Q: How can I contact the Center for more information?
A: For further inquiries, partnerships or program details, email hupnc_center@howard.edu.