Wharton faculty, students, and alumni are fundamentally entrepreneurial: active, innovative, and risk-taking. Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs (WEP) seed and support innovation and entrepreneurship globally through its many teaching, research, and outreach activities.
Wharton’s global engagement extends to every aspect of the international business environment. Everywhere in the world, Wharton alumni generate opportunity and value, influence world events, create policy, and change society. Outstanding faculty members consult with governments and corporations worldwide, while Wharton students explore complex international issues, study languages and travel abroad, and become empowered global citizens.
Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs
Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs (WEP) is widely considered one the most influential Centers of entrepreneurship in the world. Wharton was the first business school to develop a fully integrated curriculum of entrepreneurial studies in 1973. WEP has a faculty of over 20 professors and practitioners that teach courses for undergraduate and graduate students and guide initiatives for entrepreneurs.
The Goergen Entrepreneurial Management Program
The Goergen Entrepreneurial Management Program is one of the largest and most diverse academic programs of its kind in the world. More than 2,000 students and entrepreneurs participate each year. The courses are led by Wharton faculty as well as successful current or former business owners. Endowed in 1997 by Robert B. Goergen ('62), the program is distinguished by its ability to combine theory with practice, allowing students to gain access and insight from the entrepreneurial business community.
Wharton Business Plan Competition
The Wharton Business Plan Competition (WBPC) is among the leading global university-run business plan competitions. Launched in 1998 by the Wharton Entrepreneurship Club, the WBPC is now co-managed by the Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs and a specially selected student committee. The WBPC provides a network for brainstorming, feedback, and future business opportunities. Participating teams develop their ideas with the guidance from top business leaders who serve as mentors and judges. The top three finalists receive national press attention and share $70,000 in cash and prizes to jump start their businesses.
Venture Initiation Program
The Venture Initiation Program (VIP) helps students develop their ventures through the real-world experience of executing the initial stages of their ventures. While in VIP students become part of an entrepreneurial community that provides office space and administrative tools as well as a support system of fellow VIP members and professional advising.
Entrepreneur in Residence
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) provides an opportunity for students to meet one on one with successful entrepreneurs. The EIRs come from diverse fields and are chosen based on their success starting and managing successful enterprises. The EIR comes to campus once a week during the academic year to meet with students. And discuss personal experiences with entrepreneurship.
The Wharton School
Goergen Entrepreneurial Management Program
