AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest business education network, has recognized Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ventures (I & E Ventures), a program run by Clark University’s School of Management (SOM), in its Innovations That Inspire challenge. I & E Ventures was selected as one of 25 examples of how business schools around the world are elevating entrepreneurship, supporting new business creation, and serving as “Catalysts for Innovation.”

I & E Ventures includes four initiatives: the Clark Collective, a venue where student business owners and social entrepreneurs can introduce their businesses to the Worcester community; the Community Thrift Store, a decade-old Clark-run venture initiated by alumni and run by current students; the Ureka Challenge, an annual competition that provides seed money to students who launch businesses; and the Clark Entrepreneurship Club (CEC).

“We are thrilled to see I & E Ventures highlighted in AACSB’s prestigious Innovations That Inspire challenge,” said Priscilla Elsass, dean of the School of Management. “I continue to be impressed by Clark’s entrepreneurial students and our staff who work to create unique opportunities for them to showcase their skills. We are all eager to see the programs continue to grow and impact Clark and our surrounding community.”

Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB, wrote, “The demand for innovation that engages experts across disciplines and addresses the needs of both local and global communities has never been more apparent than in these unprecedented times. We are honored to feature Clark’s School of Management for its valuable role in elevating entrepreneurship through research, teaching, and community engagement.”

Now in its fifth year, the Innovations That Inspire challenge has highlighted more than 120 business school efforts that exemplify forward-looking approaches to education, research, community engagement or outreach, and leadership.