The Centers for Outreach and Engagement serve a vital role in supporting our students and strengthening the connection between the academic community and the broader business ecosystem in Northeast Ohio and beyond. The Centers include:

• The Professional Development Center
• The Global Business Center and the Export Assistance Network (EAN)
• The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Weston Ideation Lab
• The Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

While each Center has a distinct mission, together they serve as a critical interface between academia and the business world—fostering knowledge exchange, economic development, and community engagement, and advancing the field of business. Their key roles and functions include:

Industry Engagement: The Centers cultivate partnerships, host events, and provide platforms for collaboration between the university and business leaders across sectors.

Knowledge Transfer: They act as conduits for sharing academic research, expertise, and insights with industry practitioners to inform and improve business practices.

Consulting Services: Centers offer consulting and learning opportunities to local businesses, leveraging faculty, student, and researcher expertise to solve real-world challenges.

Entrepreneurial Support: Through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, the Centers nurture entrepreneurship and innovation for startups, small businesses, and aspiring founders.

Professional Development: Customized programs, certifications, and executive education courses support professionals in enhancing their skills and staying current with evolving industry needs.

Student Engagement: Students benefit from internships, experiential learning opportunities, and hands-on exposure to business environments, enriching their academic experience.

We invite you to explore the resources offered through our Centers or contacting us directly at m.a.salkin@csuohio.edu.