The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy is a 12-week, high-impact program designed to empower future business leaders, founders, and freelancers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to turn their visions into ventures. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a side hustle, or building your personal brand in the gig economy, this academy equips you with the real-world business skills needed to succeed.

Grounded in community and built for impact, this track teaches the fundamentals of small business management, operations, and financial strategy — with a focus on accessible, culturally responsive entrepreneurship training for underrepresented innovators.

Students will explore:
• Business model development and lean startup strategies
• Cash flow, budgeting, and business banking
• Operations, staffing, and systems thinking
• Legal structures, licensing, and risk management
• Brand building, marketing, and digital presence
• Sales, growth strategy, and customer engagement
• Gig economy navigation and solopreneur skill-building

In addition to practical training, participants will receive access to mentorship, coaching, legal insight, and financial planning support — all housed within LDU’s resource-rich, supportive environment.

Whether you’re building something new or refining something you’ve already started, the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy helps you gain clarity, sharpen your business instincts, and build something that lasts.

We’re not just building entrepreneurs — we’re building ecosystem leaders and future employers.