PennWest University has launched P.E.A.K. @ PennWest — Powering Entrepreneurs through Action and Knowledge — a new initiative that brings together key university resources to support regional businesses while expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students. 

P.E.A.K. @ PennWest aligns programs across the university, including the Small Business Development Center; the Beehive Network; Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), an APEX Accelerator; the Career Center; the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies; and academic programs, creating a single point of access for students and community partners. 

“P.E.A.K. represents the best of PennWest — bringing together academic excellence, community partnership and hands-on learning to create real opportunity for our students and our region,” said Juanice Vega, associate dean of the College of Science, Technology and Business and executive director of the School of Business. 

The initiative is designed to make it easier for students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while helping businesses access support in areas such as marketing, business planning and emerging technologies. 

“It’s one thing to learn concepts in class, but through the Beehive and P.E.A.K., we’re applying those skills with real clients and making an impact in the community,” said Ben Komi, a graduate student who works with the Edinboro Beehive. 

Faculty are integrating P.E.A.K. into coursework, giving students opportunities to develop business ideas, complete simulations and work directly with clients. 

“What excites me most is that students aren’t just learning about entrepreneurship—they’re doing it,” said Chad Smith, who incorporates P.E.A.K. resources into entrepreneurship courses. “They’re starting businesses, testing ideas and using P.E.A.K. resources to turn those ideas into something real.” 

In addition to supporting student learning, P.E.A.K. @ PennWest expands engagement with regional businesses and nonprofits by providing access to free or low-cost services delivered by students. 

One example of this work is NWPAMade, a collaboration between the PennWest Edinboro Beehive and Bridgeway Capital, where students developed branding and a website that showcases regional maker-entrepreneurs and connects them to new customers and business resources. 

“P.E.A.K. is really about bringing everything together into one coordinated effort so we can better support both students and regional businesses,” said Chris Lantinen, who leads the Edinboro Beehive and helps coordinate P.E.A.K. initiatives. 

By consolidating these resources, P.E.A.K. @ PennWest creates a clear entry point for students, faculty and community partners to connect with entrepreneurship and innovation support across PennWest. 

“We’re creating opportunities for students to build something real while they’re here—and at the same time, making a meaningful difference for businesses across our region,” Lantinen said. 

To learn more about P.E.A.K. @ PennWest, visit https://www.pennwest.edu/institutes/peak.php.