WINONA LAKE — Grace College held its official launch of the Gordon Center for Enterprise Development at its Gordon Center and Student Entrepreneurial Showcase event on Wednesday at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center. 

Dedicated to facilitating opportunities in entrepreneurship for Grace College students, faculty, employees, alumni and the local community, the center engages in student-run businesses, business coaching and evidence-based research to apply biblical principles to enterprise development.

“The student entrepreneurial showcase was a resounding success,” said Professor Glenn Grossman, director of the Gordon Center. “It was a true privilege to bring students, faculty, alumni, and local community leaders together for an evening of visioncasting. We’re just getting started, but there is much excitement surrounding what the Gordon Center for Enterprise Development could accomplish.”  

The showcase kicked off with a School of Business faculty meet-and-greet, where alumni and community members learned about how they can partner with the school. Then, the formal presentation began, featuring a ceremonial launch of the Gordon Center and an introduction to its many programs. The event concluded with a preview of the student business ideas to be pitched at the 2026 Business Plan Competition (BPC). Attendees were invited to participate by voting on their favorites.

Programming at the center will focus on four core pillars: college community, education, local community and research. The first pillar, college community, offers student-led programs that give students from all majors opportunities to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and a “sandbox” to create new enterprises. These programs include the BPC, student-run businesses, and Lancer Labs, which connect students with real-world business problems.

Grace alumnus and founder of Language Matters, Lucas Fonseca, is currently using students to conduct research for his business through Lancer Labs. 

"Working with Lancer Labs has been extremely beneficial,” said Fonseca. “As a business owner, I manage so many moving pieces, and naturally, there are opportunities I’m not able to devote my full attention and time to. Lancer Labs is an opportunity for businesses to engage with students dedicated to solving real business issues and to gain new perspectives from young people, enabling us to innovate and keep our offerings relevant to younger generations."

The second pillar, education, is primarily targeted at high school students. The Gordon Center will partner with local high school programs to offer educational events, such as a free enterprise leadership camp in the summer.

Third, the center will provide research-based education to the local community through seminars and services that help small businesses flourish and establish and grow new enterprises. The services will focus on providing guidance related to operational activities within finance, accounting, marketing and business plan development. 

Finally, the center will conduct relevant research and share its findings through publication and training to be applied within entrepreneurial programs and course offerings.

“Our ultimate goal through the Gordon Center is to prepare future business leaders and innovators who create lasting value in whatever industry they find themselves in,” said Grossman. “We know this is only possible by partnering with the thriving enterprises and entrepreneurs right here in our local community. I am energized thinking about the possibilities that transpire as a result of these dynamic partnerships.”

The Gordon Center for Enterprise Development is one of four Centers of Excellence on Grace’s campus. Through these centers, students are mentored by expert faculty and staff as they conduct academic research and provide services to the broader community.

To learn more about the Gordon Center for Enterprise Development or to inquire about how to get involved, contact Glenn Grossman at grossmgm@grace.edu.

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