Social Impact

The Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation generates positive social impact consistent with the vision of the Cotsakos College of Business by emphasizing that “We will be mindful of the global nature of the society and economy, and will incorporate issues relating to ethics, diversity, and sustainability into our curriculum.” This emphasis also supports the mission of William Paterson University: “The University’s graduates embody a profound sense of responsibility to their communities, commitment to a sustainable environment and active involvement in a multicultural world.”

Our programs are aligned with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) by focusing on: “Purpose: We will develop the capabilities of students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.”

Our work is in synergy with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by centering on “SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” “SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all,” and “SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.”

CSREI supports individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop organizations that align economic, social, and environmental goals, and guides them in generating economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. The Center empowers current students, alumni, and members of the general public in various industries and geographical locations to formulate new business ideas and develop socially responsible innovations for their new or existing organizations.

The Center’s goals include educational services integrated with academic programs in a variety of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), arts, social sciences, and health, among others. The Center also produces research in entrepreneurship and innovation focusing on organizations that align economic, social, and environmental goals.

The Center offers online Incubator courses, in which participants can advance their new business ideas to develop for-profit or nonprofit organizations by completing online sessions supported by a community-based interactive approach. We provided our Incubator for Women Entrepreneurs in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, and our Incubator for Abilities-Inclusive Ventures in Spring 2022. Our Incubator courses empower diverse individuals to develop their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills, while promoting socially and environmentally responsible organizations, inclusion, and positive socio-economic impact.

CSREI’s social impact received important recognitions including the following ones. CSREI’s Director, Dr. Ana Siqueira, received a 2022 Social Entrepreneurship SIG Award for Excellence in Practice and Service from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). Additionally, ROI NJ named her as a 2022 Influencer in Entrepreneurship Education and a 2021 Influencer in Social Equality and Equity in Higher Education.