California State University, East Bay-Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies

Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies

Promoting a better understanding of the free market system through entrepreneurship and innovation

Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies

Educating and creating opportunities for students to learn more about entrepreneurship, and develop their own business ideas.

Start-It UP!

Attend Smith Center and UP! Club Events

UP! Club

Check Out Upcoming Events

Smith Center for Private Studies

The Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies was established in 1991 through a gift from community leaders Owen and Erma Smith to what is now the College of Business and Economics at California State East Bay to promote a more profound understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving economy. Through programs, events, and community engagement, the Center helps students explore opportunities shaped by technology, markets, and new ideas.

"The most important thing we can teach students is an entrepreneurial perspective and the imagination and ability to think of things no one has thought of before."

–Professor Charles Baird, Founding Director, Smith Center

Upcoming Events/Programs

1. IncubateX Kick Off

A startup incubation program designed to help students turn ideas into real ventures through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on development.

Details:
April 9, 2026
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CORE Building, Rooms 178 & 179

Submit Your Idea

2. Innovation Festival 2026

The Smith Center’s largest annual entrepreneurship event, bringing together students, founders, and innovators for a full day of ideas, collaboration, and startup showcases.

Details:
May 6, 2026
California State University, East Bay