The office links private sector entrepreneurs and businesses with the appropriate expertise and resources to acquire a competitive advantage. The office facilitates the commercialization of unique technology platforms and business start-ups, and the growth of existing businesses to support regional economic development. The office also works collaboratively with the area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations to support regional economic development efforts. WKU’s Network for Business & Economic Growth is guided by an advisory Board composed of members from the private sector with broad experience base and the University. This network of resources uses a spectrum of experience base and resources to offer:

• Confidential counseling
• Guidance on financing technology development
• Guidance on technology and business incubation
• Access to specialized research instrumentation that new businesses may not be able acquire
• Free guidance on business plan development
• Free guidance on business growth strategies
• Free guidance on intellectual property protection strategies and links to expertise
• Free guidance on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) funding opportunities
• Access to the Business Accelerator resources
• Access to collaborative partnership with WKU’s Research and Development expertise and resources
• Access to non-credit professional development programs
• Networking forums for entrepreneurs and existing businesses