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Jill Ker Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

Students working together

The Jill Ker Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (CIEC) builds on the programming of Smith’s Women and Financial Independence program, a successful initiative that was launched in 2001. The center is an intellectual hub where students receive the tools to think expansively and develop innovative solutions to pressing problems. The CIEC hosts and facilitates a slate of programs and activities focused on creative thinking, problem solving, interdisciplinary teamwork and development of business, personal finance and entrepreneurial skills.

Explore the Conway Center

Conway Center Programming
About the Center
A scene at the Draper Business Competition
Events
Student on computer
Courses
Closeup of a student-designed electronic device
Innovation
A student entry in an entrepreneurship contest
Entrepreneurship
Women & Financial Independence
Financial Education
Students using a computer
Research
Valley Venture Mentors logo in window
Opportunities
An assortment of tools
Resources

Upcoming at CIEC

Featured Event
Sep
5

Breakfast Quest

  • Capen Annex, 1—3 p.m.

  • This scavenger hunt is part of the 1st Year Experience program. Register a team and pick up materials for this fun-filled activity for incoming students.
Sep
7

Introduction to Global Financial Institutions

  • McConnell Room 103, noon

  • Half-semester survey course provides an overview of global financial systems, institutions and economy. 1 credit, S/U only.
    Lunch provided.
Sep
7

Introduction to Innovation

  • TBA, 7—10p

  • Fast-paced, hands-on course using the Business Model Canvas. Meets first half of the semester. 1 credit, graded S/U.
Sep
8

Open House | Ice Cream Social

  • Conway Center (146 Elm Street), 2—4 p.m.

  • Meet the faculty and staff of the center and enjoy a scoop of Herrell’s ice cream. Breakfast Quest scavenger hunt winners announced.

Contact

Conway Center

146 Elm Street
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-3653
Fax: 413-585-3655
Email: ciec@smith.edu

Keep Exploring

Innovation Fellows

Smith College is a member of a national fellowship of colleges and universities striving to increase innovation and entrepreneurship on their campuses.

Draper Competition

The annual Draper Business Plan Competition highlights innovation by collegiate women entrepreneurs. Over $50,000 in cash and scholarships are awarded.

Global Financial Institutions Concentration

Acquire in-depth knowledge of the structure and operation of U.S. and world financial institutions.

CIEC Café

The CIEC blog spotlights current and alumnae entrepreneurs, current trends in innovation and entrepreneurship, and personal finance tips. Currently under construction.

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor

CIEC faculty and staff are working with leading researchers from Babson College to publish the 2017 GEM Women’s Report.

Student Connections

Five student-led clubs are housed under and supported by the CIEC: Consulting Club, Investment Club, Smithies in Business, SmiTHrift and StartUp Smith