More than 500 University of Miami people have sought Launch Pad’s help since they opened on campus last November, offering a one-stop resource center for students and alumni to turn their ideas into entrepreneurial endeavors.

Aside from the traditional start-up support Launch Pad offers a few extra perks, including inviting those individuals it helps to mentor fresh start-ups. More than 30 ”venture coaches” from the community have taken on this role.

Since opening, Launch Pad has hosted more than 100 networking events, lectures and brainstorming sessions for students and alumni. They’re also reaching out to the community with monthly programs for mom-preneurs, hosting an entrepreneur fair in Little Haiti in May and for the second year plan to serve a vital role in the South Florida effort for Global Entrepreneurship Week this November.

The Miami Herald caught wind of the initiative, sharing profiles and photos of their work.

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