Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship
The Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship is located on the beautiful Brigham Young University–Hawaii campus in Laie, Hawaii. WCIE’s mission is to “Launch Leaders and Entrepreneurs” internationally. The studentbody at BYU–Hawaii is made up of students from over 70 nations with a focus on Asia and the Pacific. Many of these students are going home as the first college graduates in their families and some in their communities. The Willes Center infuses each individual student’s educational discipline with practical leadership and entrepreneur skills that will put them on the road to success. The Willes Center has many initiatives to accomplish this mission.
Certificate of Entrepreneurship
The Willes Center offers a Certificate of Entrepreneurship through several classes the Center offers. These classes are all designed to develop some attribute in entrepreneurship, leadership, or some other critical management skills.
Annual Conferences
Two times a year students, University and Center donors, entrepreneurs, leaders, and faculty meet on the BYU–Hawaii campus for annual conferences to exchange ideas and network. The Leadership Summit: ‘Great Ideas Exchange’ is held in the fall and is focused on developing student’s ideas for careers upon graduation. The spring conference is the Conference of Champions complete with workshops and a business plan competition.
“Launching Leaders and Entrepreneurs” International Outreach
The Willes Center not only engages students from various countries here on campus, but also online courses are being developed to provide educational opportunities to people around the world. Regional Development Center programs in Asia and Pacific, focused on building business and leaders in these areas, are being piloted with a goal to open many more in the future.
Mentoring
Willes Center staff, instructors, and donors are dedicated to mentoring students as they work through starting their own businesses or launching their own careers.
