Kent State will celebrate the opening of its Blackstone LaunchPad program at 10:45 a.m. Friday in room 204 of the Student Center.

LaunchPad gives students the tools and guidance they need to start their own businesses, according to a university press release.

“It is more than just advising entrepreneurs on the startup of their business,” said Julie Messing, executive director for entrepreneurship initiatives at Kent State, in a press release. “It is a safe place to discuss ideas without judgment and receive the guidance and networking to help transform those ideas into businesses.”

The Kent State community also is invited to an open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the LaunchPad office in the Student Center near the University Bookstore.

“Faculty and staff should attend the open to clearly see what Blackstone LaunchPad offers,” said Messing, who oversees the program.

Along with Messing, speakers at the event will include President Lester Lefton, Jim Petro, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, Deb Hoover, president and CEO of the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, and Erik Lisher of Blackstone.

Contact Rex Santus at [email protected].