Blueprint

DePaul students can join Blueprint, a comprehensive and structured program to help launch and grow entrepreneurial businesses or social ventures.  Students receive one-on-one guidance, direction, and help from both the Coleman Center staff and other students at the same stage.  Through Blueprint, students will:

• Learn how to plan, launch, and grow a business or social venture
• Receive “real world”, professional consulting that will directly impact their venture
• Become part of the entrepreneurial community at DePaul and within Chicago
• Receive enhanced learning opportunities that complement the academic program
• Obtain unique access to people, groups, and resources
• Build support systems and networks

Each student is assigned to a program track that is tailored to fit his/her current needs.  The Explore track is for students who are interested in starting a business, but are in the early stages of evaluating the opportunity and writing a business plan.  The Launch track is for students who have already launched their business and are looking to grow.  Details of each track are outlined below:

Explore Track

• Monthly roundtables to discuss challenges, roadblocks, successes, etc.
• Access to mentors
• Access to business planning resources
• Individual consulting sessions as needed
• Goal is to move to Launch Track

Blueprint video

Download Blueprint Explore Track application.

Launch Track

• Monthly roundtables to discuss challenges, roadblocks, successes, etc.
• Access to a mentor
• Access to business planning resources
• Individual consulting sessions as needed
• Regular reporting to Center for accountability
• Access to networking groups & associations
• Recommendations to service providers
• Book club
• Mandatory attendance at certain events relating to business
• Group “field trips” to network with entrepreneurs, visit their offices, and receive a “day in the life” view
• Assistance with building an advisory board

Download Blueprint Launch Track application.

To learn more about Blueprint or to set up an appointment with a consultant, please contact the Coleman Center at 312.362.8625.