The Lab supports small and micro businesses by offering educational programs, managerial assistance and mentoring opportunities.
As a University Center designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, it focuses on the Portland-Boston-Providence Corridor through initiatives like the Inclusive Entrepreneur Fellowship and project-based collaboration with Northeastern students and faculty members.
Grounded in applied research in economic development, digital technologies, and supply chain management, the Lab combines hands-on learning and community partnerships to provide practical skills and supportive networks for small business growth.
Our Team
Our Advisory Council
The members of the Lab’s advisory council reflect the wide range of stakeholders that play a role in promoting supplier diversity in higher education: Small business owners, procurement professionals, and community advocates. The Advisory Council provides feedback and guidance to help the Lab ‘move the needle’ on supplier diversity.
Our Faculty Affiliates
Our Partners
Community Business Clinic
The Community Business Clinic is Northeastern’s primary transactional law clinic.
We offer students real-world experience in providing free, business-related legal services to startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The clinic’s work aims to support community-led growth.
Students help clients with a wide range of business-related needs, including:
- Incorporation and choice of entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.)
- Contract negotiation, drafting and review (customer and vendor contracts, waivers, etc.)
- Employment law
- Licenses, permits, zoning
- Intellectual property counseling
- Commercial leases
- Financing
IP CO-LAB
The IP CO-LAB, an intellectual property clinic at Northeastern University School of Law, is here to help. Founded in 2014 to provide legal services to the Northeastern University “entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the clinic offers free assistance to any current or former Northeastern student, faculty or staff member. The clinic routinely provides trademark and copyright services and has a proven track record of success, most notably by protecting brand names and logos. And although not yet actively involved in providing patent assistance, the clinic can help protect trade secrets and advise on steps that may be needed to obtain patent protection. We work closely with Northeastern University’s Mosaic community and, as part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Law School Clinic Certification Program, we offer IP-related assistance to individuals and entities throughout Massachusetts who cannot otherwise afford legal services.
Women Who Empower
Northeastern University’s Women Who Empower initiative is grounded in the belief that diverse and inclusive communities empower a better world. Our network comprises strong, aspiring, and distinguished individuals dedicated to fostering positive environments, building lasting connections, and providing meaningful experiences where all people thrive.
We aim to inspire and enable future generations to be creative, innovative, and agile as they pursue powerful and transformative positions in the fields of their choice. And we are committed to supporting our community members through events, scholarship support, entrepreneurship, mentorship programs, ambassador opportunities, and more.
Together, we can overcome disparities and biases, connect by sharing inspirational stories, and lead change in our communities and beyond.
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion promotes the University’s commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and social justice while building a climate of inclusion on and beyond campus.
Our mission is to provide leadership by cultivating an inclusive environment that denounces discrimination through innovation, collaboration and an awareness of global perspectives on social justice. We also promote compliance with relevant federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws.