Innovation and entrepreneurship fuel economic development and activating them across the Capital Region is the driving force of the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CCIE) at Sacramento State. As the university leans into its role as a regional economic engine, the CCIE is foundational to that work: building entrepreneurial talent and connecting innovators to the capital they need to grow.

The CCIE was founded in November 2017 with a generous investment from Dale and Katy Carlsen and a vision to be the premier hub for regional innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Since opening its doors in late 2018, the CCIE has served thousands of students and community members across the region, from first-time founders to scaling companies.

“Entrepreneurship is vital to our region’s prosperity and resilience,” says Cameron Law, the CCIE’s executive director. “New business creation is a proven net job creator, driving opportunity across the region. And just as important is the mindset: entrepreneurship is about solving problems and seeing the chance to create value.”

The CCIE gives students an environment for experiential learning and network development, feeding the regional economy talent ready to meet its toughest challenges and take the region to new heights.

“When a student walks into the Center, what we are really giving them is the confidence to take bold steps in building their future,” Law says.

Students put it their own way: it is “the experience the world says can only be gained after a degree,” and “a sense of pride and confidence, along with the tools, network and support to pursue what I’m truly passionate about.”

The same platform works directly with the region’s founders. As one of 13 Accelerate California Hubs designated by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, the CCIE anchors entrepreneurial ecosystem building across the Capital Region and its collaborative offerings deliver: in the last two years, the Traction Lab, a venture development platform, has worked with 40+ companies that have raised over $10 million in equity funding; and NorCal AngelCon, an angel investment program, has driven $205,000 in direct investment, with alumni ventures going on to raise more than $7 million.

“Our goal is to build a region where talent stays and ventures grow,” Law says.