Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies

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Promoting a better understanding of the free market system through entrepreneurship and innovation

Attend Smith Center and UP! Club Events

The Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies was established in 1991 through a gift from community leaders Owen and Erma Smith to what is now the College of Business and Economics at California State East Bay.

Since its inception, the intent of the donors, and the practice of the Smith Center has been to provide programs that promote a better understanding of the free market system and limited government under the rule of law among the university community as well as the general public.

The impact of technological advances, combined with entrepreneurial ingenuity, inevitably moves the economy toward market solutions, replacing less efficient arrangements and creating value for businesses and society as a whole. Our activities help participants identify the changes and opportunities which arise from this process. We aim to be a thought leader on the economy of the future, on campus and beyond.

"The most important thing we can teach students is an entrepreneurial perspective and the imagination and ability to think of things no one has thought of before."

–Professor Charles Baird, Founding Director, Smith Center

Upcoming Events

IncubateX

Incubate X 2026

A startup incubation initiative that helps student entrepreneurs develop ideas into real ventures through mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.

The event brings together student founders, mentors, and innovators to explore startup opportunities, refine business ideas, and collaborate on early-stage ventures.

Event Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: CORE Building, Rooms 178 & 179

Learn More

Innovation Festival

The Innovation Festival is the Smith Center’s largest annual entrepreneurship event, bringing together students, founders, and innovators for a full day of inspiration, collaboration, and startup showcases.

Event Date: May 6, 2026
Location: California State University, East Bay

More information will be available soon.

Learn More

College of Business & Economics

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
VBT 349
Hayward, CA 94542

(510) 885-4331

smith-center@csueastbay.edu

Director

Izzet Darendeli

(510) 885-3417

izzet.darendeli@csueastbay.edu