San Diego State University students will have the opportunity to start their own businesses when the Zahn Center, which will help young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into companies, launches in March, the university announced today.
Named for local businessman Irwin Zahn, the Zahn Center will guide teams of engineering, business and technology students from concept to business plan to market.
"Our students have brilliant ideas and they need support to turn these ideas into successful businesses,'' said Elliot Hirshman, president of the university.
Richard Kerr, an entrepreneur and SDSU alum, is set to direct the Zahn Center and will mentor the fledgling entrepreneurs, who will eventually be connected with venture capitalists.
Kerr will also tap the university's College of Business Administration and Entrepreneurial Management Center to identify students who are interested in joining the startups.
A grand opening is set for mid-March and the first group of student teams to enter will be announced then.
