Cal Lutheran begins startup incubator

New program tied to re-launch of co-working space

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The co-working space offers desks, private offices, classrooms, conference rooms and event space. 

Photo: Brian Stethem

(WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. – April 4, 2016) The California Lutheran University Center for Entrepreneurship is beginning a startup incubator program as part of a re-launch of its co-working space.

The Hub101 Incubator Program is an intensive three-month series of one-on-one mentor sessions, workshops, speaking events and investor meetings for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. The inaugural program will begin April 11 and culminate in a pitch night to investors from throughout Southern California.

Originally opened in 2014 along with the Center for Entrepreneurship in Westlake Village, the co-working space is now run by the university rather than a contractor. Clients will benefit from the university’s educational resources and professional network. The School of Management’s entrepreneurship program is located in the Westlake Center.

Daniel Ball and Greg Monterrosa joined the center in February to run the co-working space, the incubator and other programs. Ball, the program manager, has served as the co-director of Startup Next Los Angeles and worked as a product and marketing consultant for early-stage companies. Monterrosa, the community manager, co-founded Westlake Village-based MyLLC.com and last year mentored more than 100 startups through Startup Weekend Europe.

Ball and Monterrosa organized Conejo Valley Startup Week, which was hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship in February. Entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts participated in a series of events that culminated in a pitch competition at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza that drew more than 200 audience members.

The co-working space for regional entrepreneurs is designed to promote collaboration among clients, community members, faculty and students. Located just off Highway 101, the open high-tech area offers desks, private offices, classrooms, conference rooms and event space. A coffee bar and patios with fire pits provide additional areas for individual and collaborative work. Memberships begin at $49 a month.

“The center offers a place to work that is quieter than Starbucks and provides a sense of community that you don’t get working from home,” Monterrosa said.

For more information on the incubator program, go to Hub101.LA or call 805-493-3661. For more information on the co-working space, contact Monterrosa at gmonterrosa@callutheran.edu.

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