Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Coleman Center do?
As an outreach center, DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center delivers Peer Roundtables and Continuing Education for Chicagoland business owners and entrepreneurs. On campus, the Center helps student-entrepreneurs launch and grow their own ventures. The Coleman Center is a part of DePaul’s highly acclaimed Entrepreneurship Program, consistently ranked among the top academic programs in the U.S.

What is the purpose of the Coleman Center?
The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center has a two-part mission:

• In the Chicagoland area, serve business owners and entrepreneurs with programs that help their ventures grow and improve their quality of life.
• On campus, serve student-entrepreneurs with programs and services that increase their likelihood and longevity of success.

What are your hours?
The Coleman Center is open Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm; and Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Summer hours (June – August) are Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm; and Friday, 9am – 3pm.
Contact us at 312.362.8625 or at cec@depaul.edu.

Where are you located?
The Coleman Center is located at DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 8100, on the southeast corner of State and Jackson. 

I’m a current DePaul student.  How can you help me?
The Coleman Center offers a variety of campus services and activities to current DePaul students including Blueprint, a comprehensive and structured program to launch and grow businesses, non-profits, and social ventures. Learn more by visiting our home page and clicking on "Students & Faculty".

Is everything free for students?
Blueprint, the Coleman Center student consulting program, is offered at no cost to students. Annual membership with the Coleman Center, which is required to enroll in Blueprint, is $20 for undergraduate students and $40 for graduate students.

How can I get involved with the Coleman Center?
There are many ways to Get Involved with the Coleman Center: become a member or sponsor, join a Peer Roundtable, enroll in the Business Owner Academy, make a gift, or be a mentor/advisor. 

Are there discounts available for DePaul alumni?
Alumni receive 20% off Coleman Center memberships.

I am an entrepreneur and would like to speak at one of your events.
Speaking opportunities may periodically become available for Coleman Center members. 

Does DePaul offer a major in Entrepreneurship?
DePaul offers a concentration in Entrepreneurship to MBA and undergraduate students who major in Management. For more information, please consult your academic advisor or click on the following links to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Do you write business plans?
No, the Coleman Center does not write business plans. If you are a current DePaul student, we will coach you through the process of writing a business plan. For more information, please read about our Blueprint program.

Can you introduce me to angel investors?
The Coleman Center and DePaul University do not have an angel network. We recommend that entrepreneurs seeking capital visit Angelsoft.net to access many angel networks and groups in the state of Illinois.

What steps do I have to complete before you can introduce me to an investor?
The Coleman Center makes introductions within the angel community to those who have completed the Angel Investment Readiness Service.  We require participation in the service to ensure that the entrepreneur has an investor-ready business plan and pitch prepared.  We only provide high quality investment opportunities to the angels in our network. Entrepreneurs can also meet angel investors at our popular Meet the Angels events.

I’m looking for information on copywriting and trademark laws.
Please visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark office or an intellectual property attorney for more information about copywriting, trademarks, or patent information.

Can I meet with someone before I start my Business Plan?
Current DePaul students can meet with a consultant at any point in the process from the idea to the management of your business.  Please read about Blueprint for more information on how to get started.