Ohio Wesleyan University, City of Delaware, and Delaware County Reaffirm Commitment to The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center

DELAWARE, Ohio – March 14, 2024 – In a demonstration of ongoing collaboration and dedication to fostering innovation, Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt vandenBerg, Delaware City Manager R. Thomas Homan, and Delaware County Commissioner Gary Merrell have signed an agreement to continue their joint operation of The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University (DEC OWU). The signing ceremony took place today at the Center, located on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

Established in 2018, DEC OWU represents a pioneering partnership among Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware County, and the City of Delaware. The Center serves as a business incubator and educational hub, cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that equips individuals with the mindset and knowledge to devise unique solutions addressing global challenges.

Since its inception, the Center has achieved notable milestones, including the graduation of 11 companies from its incubator program, the creation of 45 full-time jobs contributing to the local economy, and the attraction of over $3.7 million in investments and grants for its members.

President Matt vandenBerg, who assumed office as Ohio Wesleyan’s 17th president on July 1, 2023, emphasized the Center’s role in the university’s mission to drive economic growth and cultural vitality. He stated, “Ohio Wesleyan University is a powerful engine of social mobility, educational opportunity, economic growth, and cultural vitality.”

City Manager R. Thomas Homan highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the Center, noting that its success stems from the shared vision and commitment of the partnering entities.

Commissioner Gary Merrell, who has served as Delaware County Commissioner since 2013, expressed enthusiasm about the Center’s impact on local economic development and its potential to inspire future entrepreneurs.

The renewed agreement underscores the partners’ dedication to sustaining and expanding the Center’s initiatives, ensuring that DEC OWU continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a resource for entrepreneurs aiming to make a global impact.

About The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University

The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University is a unique collaboration among Ohio Wesleyan, Delaware County, and the City of Delaware. Located at 70 S. Sandusky St. on the OWU campus, the Center functions as both a business incubator and an educational facility, fostering an environment where innovative solutions to global challenges are developed.

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is a nationally recognized liberal arts university located in Delaware, Ohio. The university is committed to providing a transformative education that prepares students for leadership and service in a global society.