It has been devoted to sparking interest in entrepreneurship around the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area since 1993 when it was endowed to Wilkes University by Allan P. Kirby Jr. and his family. The Allan P. Kirby Center also provides numerous client services as well as programs that help clients go from the epiphany phase to a sustainable business.
There are three main goals that the Kirby Center abides by. These goals encompass business development, education and community outreach. Through these goals, the center is able to help aspiring students, professors, and professionals become entrepreneurs in their field.
The center is servicing over 50 clients inside and outside of the Wilkes University community, many of which are making waves in their industry. Clients receive mentoring services from the center’s network of business professionals. They also receive help from students at Wilkes University through the one-of-a-kind Kirby scholar program.
The scholar program consists of top performing students from various majors that are selectively chosen. When chosen for the position, the scholars get hands-on experience and further their education by helping clients with any services they will need when starting and maintaining a business.
Currently, there are 17 scholars with titles in marketing, communications, engineering, science, accounting, digital design and media art, and business development.
Along with the scholar program, the Allan P. Kirby Center also hosts annual events such as the Kirby lecture series which has featured Steve Forbes, the owner of Forbes magazine, Jim Whitaker, Hollywood producer, and Jake Wood, Cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon among other influential people.
Other events include the scholar retreat where all of the staff, scholars, and mentors get together where they can learn, collaborate and engage with the team. A mentor breakfast is also held which recognizes all of the members in the mentor network. The center’s goal is to promote and facilitate community outreach through these events.
The Allan P. Kirby Center is a hub for future and current entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and turn their idea into a reality.
For more information on the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship or becoming a client, visit www.wilkes.edu/kirby and stay engaged with our social media for more direct insight on activities and events happening with the center.