Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub (E&I-Hub) at Sonoma State University

Unearth the true essence of entrepreneurship and innovation at Sonoma State University's E&I-Hub in the School of Business. We're more than an educational institution; we're a launchpad for budding entrepreneurs across the North Bay area.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or nursing a fresh idea on the side, the E&I-Hub provides the nurturing environment, resources, and expert guidance to bring your vision to life. Dive into a community that celebrates all ideas, big or small, and watch as they flourish.

There is no such thing as a bad idea?

At the E&I-Hub, our aim is to ignite and infuse entrepreneurial thinking and behavior into our students. This change takes a village. It takes you. 

As a first step, the best way forward is to email Chris Stewart. You can contact him at chris.stewart@sonoma.edu

SSU Entrepreneurs in Residence

Chris Stewart, a distinguished entrepreneur with over four decades in the tech sector, started as a design engineer at renowned firms like Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies. In 2009, he spearheaded two innovative ventures: Invention Planet LLC and Pocket Radar Inc. Beyond his business acumen, Chris imparts knowledge at Sonoma State University, teaching electrical engineering and entrepreneurship. He's also a pivotal figure at SSU, chairing the Makerspace External Advisory Board and guiding the Electrical Engineering Department. His multifaceted expertise encompasses design, product development, strategic planning, patents, and consultancy.

Michelle Wilson (pictured left), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ooh La Luxe

Cristina Wilson-Hudlin (pictured below), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ooh La Luxe

Michelle and Cristina Wilson, Sonoma State University graduates, transitioned from a college coffee cart to establishing Ooh La Luxe. This thriving fashion brand, with a decade in the industry, boasts three outlets, a dynamic online store, and a loyal clientele. Cristina excels in merchandise curation and operations, while Michelle, the marketing maestro, amplifies brand visibility through photoshoots and strategic Instagram campaigns.

Schedule a Meeting with an Entrepreneur in Residence

Entrepreneurship Programs & Activities at SSU

Entrepreneurial energy, behaviors, and thinking are the lifeblood of any thriving economy.  Given the North Bay's commitment to the triple bottom line of social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, Sonoma State's role as the region's entrepreneurial epicenter comes naturally. Today, our faculty and staff build conduits between the student population and private industry, focus on new business initiatives, develop and apply practical case studies, create relevant curriculum and workshops, conduct critical research, and fuel talent development programs. 

Transform our Educational System at SSU and in the North Bay	Leadership and innovation are central themes in our undergraduate and graduate academic programs and infused in how we train our students to become creative problem solvers, change agents, and innovators in their workplaces and their communities.  Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Certificate in Wine Entrepreneurship
Launch and Support Entrepreneurial Careers out of SSU	Our students will spend their time at SSU becoming entrepreneurial thinkers who have launched their own businesses or are job-ready as they step out on their career pathway. Makerspace and Innovation Lab: Funded by the National Science Foundation, Sonoma State University's signature Makerspace and Maker Program is a cross-campus academic partnership between the School of Business, School of Education, School of Science and Technology, and School of Arts and Humanities. The facility houses tools like 3D printers, a computer controlled mill, laser cutters, and micro-controllers, as well as materials like electronics, cloth, fabric, leather, and more. The Makerspace and Innovation Lab is free to all faculty, staff, and students at Sonoma State University.
Accelerate Entrepreneurial Action in the North Bay	We see entrepreneurship as a key ingredient for regional growth and prosperity. To that end, the School of Business has partnered with and supported entrepreneurial efforts and projects like the North Bay Make-a-thon, SSU's Makerspace and Innovation Lab, North Bay Investor Summit, and more.

Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Mindset (JEM)

If you know you want to move forward with an idea and dive in right away, then join the Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Mindset (JEM) program.

Jump to JEM

Entrepreneurship Resources

We have aggregated a directory of Sonoma State University and regional resources and services designed to help you develop ideas, scale your business and connect you with a vast network of entrepreneurs. Start here to connect with the resources and information you will need to support your journey. 

Access Entrepreneurship Resources