HOW WE OPERATE

The Directors of the Entrepreneurial Center discover and undertake their assistance projects in different ways. One way is through networking with business associates and important contacts, which often leads to new clients and assignments. Also, clients tend to find The Entrepreneurial Center, typically by word of mouth, through ODU, from previous Center clients, or from this website.

Depending on the nature of the project, the appropriate Center Director is contacted and he then meets with a prospective client for discussion concerning the client’s needs and other project related details. If mutual interest is developed and the Director is available, a written contract involving the client, the Entrepreneurial Center, and the ODU Research Foundation is completed and the project is scheduled to begin.

The written agreement typically details the key aspects of the project, timing, compensation, and deliverables. Normally, the standard ODU Research Foundation Assistance Agreement is used. It is simple yet comprehensive and mutually protective.

Usually, compensation is made on a regular basis such as bi-weekly, based on a negotiated fee. Fees can be hourly, weekly, monthly, or lump sum, depending on the project.

Most assistance projects involve several hours of work spread over several weeks and are “worked on” part time by the Director involved. When required, graduate students at ODU may be used on a project as interns/researchers.

When an assignment involves an interim or part time role or management position within the client company, the Center’s Director is publicly identified by the client company in the role and job position held, but he actually works on an independent basis through the Center with the standard agreement in place as with other types of projects.

Benchmarks, check points, and objectives can be established and progress against them evaluated during the project. When they are, they should be included in the written agreement in the “deliverables” section.

Client references can be furnished upon request.