Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship

The latest news from the entrepreneurial hub of the Nolan School.

Illustration of a rocket coming out of a capsule

PIHE Perspective: Pro tips for board governance

Board governance has evolved significantly, moving beyond rubber-stamping management strategy and operations.

Artwork from the newly opened Convene 555 Broadway in Soho

PIHE Perspective: Insights on emotion-led brand building

Hospitality leader shares insights on emotion-led brand building.

Avery Sheppard holds her first place $25,000 prize.
Nolan School

Hospitality competition winner plans to expand restaurant into a chain

Master’s student Avery Sheppard won $25,000 to put toward her fish and chips eatery by winning the Nolan School’s hospitality business plan competition.

Participants clapping at the inaugural Health for the Future Student Design Competition
SC Johnson College

Students design wellness solutions for North Carolina community

During a weekend design challenge, students focused on building a more connected wellness ecosystem.

student team working

Hackathon provides industry exposure for students, fresh ideas for Hilton

The Pillsbury Institute’s industry ties include the Hospitality Hackathon, in which students leverage data to address Hilton’s business challenges.

James Meli 2025 Hospitality Business Plan Competition 600×400

Entrepreneur in Residence Spotlight: Meli James ’00

Pillsbury Institute’s longest-serving Entrepreneur in Residence creates resources and opportunities to support Hawaii’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Tom posing with a group of students after a coffee chat while serving as an Entrepreneur in Residence

PIHE Perspective: ‘Buy now, pay later’ model extends to travel

Pillsbury Institute Advisory Board member shares his company’s origin story: making travel more accessible with payments over time.

Jason Spillerman judging the 2025 Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition.

Entrepreneur in Residence Spotlight: Jason Spillerman ’92, P ’25

Real estate consultant and entrepreneur Jason Spillerman shares lessons from three decades of building and investing in businesses.

Katelynn Wiseman and Miya Deng, seniors in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, present their startup, ALK.
SC Johnson College

Wellness bar proposal wins hospitality pitch deck competition

The winning team’s reimagining of the traditional hotel bar features kava- and CBD-infused cocktails.