A nontraditional approach: University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship opens new spot for students

This fall, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University added a new area designed with dynamic, enterprising students in mind. The Start-Up Studio, on the first floor of the facility at 920 Broadway, in Cape Girardeau, is quickly becoming a place for students to hold informal meetings, swap ideas and do research in a low-key setting. Dr. James Stapleton, executive director for the CIE and a professor of management and marketing, has visited business incubators throughout the United States and Europe, and knew he wanted something different in Cape Girardeau.

"This is not a traditional approach," says Stapleton of the new space, which is divided into four areas. "Normally you would find empty offices with desks, phones and computers."

The studio's "Bored Room" area includes a conference table and chairs, a projection screen and a computer. According to Stapleton, this spot was made for student presentations, competitions and meetings, and is the meeting space for the Redhawks Collegiate Entrepreneur's Organization, to which Stapleton is the adviser.

The "Refueling Station" has a coffee machine, microwave and small refrigerator, and a popcorn machine is on the way, says Stapleton. In the nearby corner, the "Idea Lab" holds a computer and printer with Internet access and, in the opposite corner, the "Chill Zone" has comfortable couches and a coffee table. Shelves throughout the room are filled with unique business books, magazines and CDs and thought-inspiring games and gadgets. The walls are lined with posters of successful entrepreneurs who have visited Southeast's campus.

"What we've enjoyed most is students' reaction to the fact that this is not a sterile, traditional academic environment," says Stapleton. "You wouldn't find these materials in an academic setting."

Before opening the Start-Up Studio this fall, says Stapleton, the CIE was geared more toward community outreach for existing businesses and people interested in starting a business. While students are already engaged in an academic curriculum, Stapleton felt they needed their own comfortable place for thought, discussion and learning practical knowledge. Students have 24/7 access to the Start-Up Studio.

"Sometimes the traditional approach to education doesn't bring out the creativity in students," says Stapleton. "We want to inspire students and engage them at a creative level, and provide the support and resources they need and when they need it."

The Start-Up Studio already has a number of events planned, including regular Ideation Workshops and Coffee with an Entrepreneur discussions, a "big ideas" competition, and a business plan competition. This year's Global Entrepreneurship Week is set for Nov. 15 to 20.