Student Opportunities
The Perricelli-Gegnas Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers a wide range of opportunities for Bucknell students interested in business and entrepreneurship. For entrepreneurially-minded students, we offer a pathway from lightbulb moment to launch. For those looking to get involved in business, we offer ample opportunities to work with mentors and alumni.
For the Entrepreneur
Start with a Consultation
Have an idea, but you’re not sure what to do next? Schedule a consultation with our Director, Erin Jablonski.
Connect with an Alumni Mentor
The Bucknell University alumni network is filled with experienced professionals who are excited to work with and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Pitch your Idea
Compete for prizes and find out if your venture stands up against the competition in Bucknell’s annual BizPitch competition.
Apply for Funding
The PGCEI offers grants of up to $1,000 to support students in good standing, interested in pursuing entrepreneurial or innovative endeavors. Email pgcei@bucknell.edu for more information.
Benjamin Summer Award
The Benjamin Award for Entrepreneurial Endeavors, funded by the Ron ’67 and Pat Benjamin Family Fund for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, supports Bucknell students in good standing developing a new venture. Awardees can refine their venture concepts through technical improvements or market research; both for-profit and non-profit projects are eligible, with awards preferentially granted to those demonstrating significant market potential or social impact. The Ron ’67 and Pat Benjamin Family Fund for Entrepreneurship & Innovation was created by gifts from Ronald L. Benjamin, Class of 1967, Patricia Benjamin, and their children: Brenden Benjamin ’94, Jonathan Benjamin ’98, and Anna Benjamin.
Sherrick Summer Award
The Sherrick Award for Entrepreneurial Endeavors, funded by the Sherrick Family Fund for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, supports Bucknell students in good standing developing a new venture. During the summer, awardees can refine their venture concepts through technical improvements or market research. Both for-profit and non-profit projects are eligible, with awards preferentially granted to those demonstrating significant market potential or social impact.
Participate in the Bison Venture Plan Competition
More information coming soon.
Pitch to Alumni Angels
When their venture is deemed ready by the PGCEI team, students in good standing can attend a call to pitch their venture to the Alumni Angels group. The group will offer feedback and, if students are ready, capital. The group provides advice based on their experience vetting founders for potential investment.
Skill-Building Opportunities
App MakerSpace
Students in good standing can seek help with their web or mobile app idea, or get paid to lend their expertise to peers who are seeking help with their own.
Student Ambassador
Working closely with the Center’s Director, Student Ambassadors organize and implement campus initiatives and activities supported by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Some of these activities include helping manage the social media presence of the center through LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, as well as supporting outreach to alumni, creating a network for students and alums.
Design-Build-Launch Internships
This position is ideal for students in good standing seeking hands-on experience that bridges engineering, architecture, design, and project management in a real-world context. Interns will contribute to the planning, design, and implementation of client-based projects, integrating creativity, technical skill, and practical problem-solving. Working under the guidance of mentors, interns will collaborate directly with clients—often under a non-disclosure agreement—to ensure the confidentiality of proprietary information while delivering high-quality design and build solutions.
Summer Entrepreneurial Fellows Program
Fellows will engage in an intensive, collaborative process to discover untapped potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the course of the summer, fellows will delve into market exploration and customer discovery while developing and refining prototypes and business models. The program culminates with a final business pitch to industry experts and investors.
Start-Up Micro-Internship Program
Students in good standing are welcome to apply to any of the micro-internship opportunities offered by the PGCEI in support of Bucknellian Founders and center operations.