Shippensburg University lands HUD grant to boost student-run businesses

Yahoo

03-07-2025

Shippensburg University has received a $700,000 grant to transform Kriner Hall into an entrepreneurial hub, according to an announcement.
The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with support from Congressman John Joyce, will support the renovation of the former dining hall into a center for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The revamped space will house the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Mr. and Mrs. Milton K. Morgan III Makerspace and the Small Business Development Center.
'By co-locating these three initiatives at Shippensburg University, we create a synergistic ecosystem that significantly enhances our ability to support students as they turn their ideas into successful businesses,' said Charles Patterson, president of Shippensburg University, in the announcement. 'With an emphasis on adaptability, resilience and strategic thinking, this space will ensure its impact extends far beyond the businesses it helps launch, by shaping individuals who are prepared to lead in any context.'
The Diller Center aims to foster creative thinking and collaboration, while the Morgan Makerspace will provide a space for prototyping and experimentation. The SBDC will offer business expertise, mentorship and resources to help navigate the complexities of launching and scaling a company.
The hub will also include the newly established Small Business Internship Initiative, which will connect small businesses with college students throughout the region.
'Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and Shippensburg University's Small Business Internship Initiative will provide our next generation of business leaders with a path toward the American dream,' Joyce said in the announcement. 'The Shippensburg SBII will offer students valuable, real-world experience while building the critical skills needed to succeed in the business world. This partnership with local small businesses will also boost economic growth and support our community so that prosperity can continue for future generations. I was proud to champion the Shippensburg SBII in Congress and look forward to its future success.'
The project is expected to be a vital contributor to the university's mission and the broader region's economic well-being. The $700,000 grant represents 12.7% of the total project cost.
'We are grateful for the continued support of our legislators, like Representative Joyce, benefactors and business leaders who continue to see the value in our vision for the future of Kriner Hall,' Patterson said in the announcement. 'We look forward to starting this project and continuing to serve the future of Pennsylvania.'
This story was created by Janis Reeser, [e-mail], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
The Public Opinion, The Record Herald, Echo-Pilot are growing their local news
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: A $700K grant is helping Shippensburg students launch businesses