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At VCU’s Institute for Free Enterprise,
we’re inspiring the people who are building our future.

Free enterprise has lifted more people out of poverty, generated more innovation and created more opportunity than any economic system in human history. That record deserves to be understood, defended and built upon.

And the VCU School of Business is doing exactly that.

The Institute for Free Enterprise was founded on the belief that capitalism is worth protecting, worth strengthening and worth passing on to everyone with dreams and the determination to pursue them.

Free enterprise doesn’t sustain itself. It takes people who understand it, believe in it and know how to make it work — for themselves, for their communities and for the generations that follow. 

Our Mission in Action

Anchored in the School of Business's Opportunity 2030 strategic plan, the Institute will focus on three key areas: empowering students, producing consequential research and expanding the broader community’s access to the benefits of free enterprise.

 

Building Purpose-Driven Leaders

Student Experience

The Institute will deliver innovative, interdisciplinary programming to give students the skills, exposure and networks to engage in free enterprise, including opportunities such as: 

  • Free Enterprise Fellows program
  • Capitalism-focused curriculum
  • Mentoring by community and business leaders
  • Internships and company visits
  • Access to IFE's Free Enterprise Network of entrepreneurs, alumni and business owners
Two students collaborating at table with laptops and notebooks

Driving the Conversation

Research and Thought Leadership

Through transdisciplinary research, the Institute will produce ideas that shape — and safeguard — the future of free enterprise. VCU faculty, supported by visiting scholars and a signature speaker series, will lead this work across the school's areas of strength:

  • Economic mobility and capital access
  • Housing, real estate and pathways to ownership
  • Entrepreneurship and small business development
  • Financial literacy and wealth accumulation
  • Health care services and health outcomes
Hand placing sticky note on brainstorming whiteboard

Creating Shared Value

Community Engagement

The Institute will build and reinforce partnerships that connect VCU to its community, fuel economic growth and turn research into solutions through programs like:

  • Speakers series for students and the broader community
  • Expanding financial literacy education beyond our classrooms
  • A Free Enterprise Network: a community of students, alumni and Richmond entrepreneurs and business owners, anchored by IFE and community partners
Business professional speaking into microphone during group discussion

Events

Past events and community engagements involving the Institute for Free Enterprise and centered around entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunity.

Markel Group's "The Reunion"

May 20, 2026

"The Reunion" annually brings together Markel Group shareholders, associates, customers and friends for conversations around business leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, long-term thinking and connection.
Big Dipper Innovation Summit

May 12–14, 2026

The Big Dipper Innovation Summit convenes leaders from business, technology, capital, the arts and public institutions to explore emerging ideas, technologies and cultural shifts shaping the future of business and innovation.
"She Rises Up" Film Screening

April 29, 2026

In collaboration with Women in Business at VCU, the Institute for Free Enterprise sponsored an outdoor screening of “She Rises Up,” a documentary highlighting the power of entrepreneurship to create economic opportunity and transform lives around the world.