Belmont Named Among World’s Top 32 Universities for Entrepreneurship

Program Ranks 5th in the South, Continues Legacy of Innovation 

Belmont University's Entrepreneurship Program within the Jack C. Massey College of Business continues to excel as Tennessee's premier entrepreneurship program according to “The Princeton Review” and “Entrepreneur" magazine's latest rankings. The program maintains a strong position in the South at No. 5 and ranks 32nd globally. 

The prestigious list identifies 50 undergraduate and 50 graduate schools for excellence in entrepreneurship studies. The rankings are based on a comprehensive survey conducted in summer 2024, evaluating more than 300 institutions offering entrepreneurship studies.  

At Belmont, the entrepreneurial mindset reaches far beyond the classroom walls of business school. This innovative approach influences students across all majors. A cornerstone of Belmont's entrepreneurship success remains the Thomas F. Cone Center for Entrepreneurship, which offers a hands-on approach to entrepreneurial education, inviting students from every major to utilize resources, leverage networks and gain access to accomplished leaders.  

“We’re thrilled to have the Cone Center for Entrepreneurship recognized once again by ‘The Princeton Review’ as one of the nation’s top entrepreneurship programs,” said Elizabeth Gortmaker, Cone Center executive director. “This honor highlights our ongoing commitment to helping students turn their entrepreneurial ideas into impactful ventures. We are excited to continue nurturing creativity, fostering innovation and empowering the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.” 

The program's effectiveness is exemplified by its successful alumni, including Emily Henegar (‘22), founder of Cookie in the Kitchen. The business, which celebrates people and their stories through baking, grew from Henegar’s childhood hobby. Her Nashville-based venture now serves both local customers and high-profile clients from the music industry.   

"Belmont University has such a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and I caught a sense of that since day one,” Henegar said. “What Belmont gave me in four years was confidence as a person, as an individual and as a business owner." 

The Jack C. Massey Center serves as an entrepreneurial epicenter, fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative ventures. The building's fifth floor hosts numerous events each semester to support students in their entrepreneurial journeys.  Students benefit from: 

• Student-run businesses  

• Business Plan and Business Pitch Competitions 

• Endowed Grant Fund opportunities 

• Entrepreneurship Workshop Series 

• Extensive Alumni Mentor network 

• Entrepreneurship Villages 

Accomplished alumni who have successfully founded the currently operating businesses serve as entrepreneurs-in-residence through the Cone Center. These mentors enhance the Belmont entrepreneurship program, offering students valuable firsthand experience and guidance.  

During Big Idea Week — an event series aimed at cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit within Belmont’s community — entrepreneurs-in-residence led “What’s Your Why” sessions providing students a chance to focus on their core motivations and learn from the experiences of the alumni presenters. 

“The entrepreneurs-in-residence program is there to be a helping hand to any student who has interest in entrepreneurship," said Megan Feeman, founder of No Baked Cookie Dough. "The connection that Belmont makes to the real world of entrepreneurship gives students valuable lessons that can't just be taught, but need to be seen. By giving students access to people who are entrepreneurs in the real world, they get a perspective that's outside of the classroom and prepares them better than just a class would." 

Belmont's consistent ranking achievements reflect the University's ongoing commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial mindset. The program continues to adapt to evolving business landscapes while maintaining its core mission of developing successful entrepreneurs. 

“The Princeton Review's” partnership with “Entrepreneur” magazine evaluates hundreds of institutions across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe. Its comprehensive assessment considers factors including academic programs, mentorship opportunities and graduates' success in the business world — areas where Belmont continues to demonstrate exceptional strength.