Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs will be able to hone their skills this fall through a series of free Brock LINC initiatives for students, faculty, staff and members of the local community.

“We have been expanding our programs in the last few years and this year really has something for everyone,” says Brock LINC Executive Director Farzana Crocco. “Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship or learning about innovation skills that are becoming more important in the workplace, we’ve got you covered.”

Innovation skills include creativity, critical thinking, communication and problem solving.

Brock LINC’s fall innovation skills workshops will explore the innovative mindset, ideation techniques, an introduction to design thinking and how to use creative thinking for engaging presentations.

Social innovation has become an increasingly popular topic, which refers to the process of developing and implementing new, effective solutions to solve social or environmental issues. A short course, Foundations in Social Innovation Skills, focuses specifically on the different types of social innovation and the skills needed to become a socially innovative thinker.

Monthly Innovation Socials are also back this year with the first event, which will explore innovation in accessibility, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 27.

For entrepreneurially minded individuals, two Brock LINC programs are returning this September to give participants some clarity around the process of starting a business.

“When students come to us, the most common thing we hear is ‘I don’t know how to get started,’” says Cassie Conte, Program Manager of the Brock LINC. “Our programs are designed so that you don’t have to know anything about entrepreneurship, and we provide the training, guidance and support to set up students for success.”

Navigate is an 11-week hands-on program designed for individuals looking to explore and develop their business idea. Participants are guided through the Lean Startup process and work with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs in small groups to expand their business idea. The program ends with a pitch competition and the opportunity to win one of two $2,500 prizes.

The application deadline for Navigate is Thursday, Sept. 14 and the first session begins Wednesday, Sept. 20.

For students who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship without committing to a formal program, a series of seven Kick-starting Entrepreneurship workshops will cover topics ranging including market research, writing a business plan and steps needed to start a small business. Kick-starting Entrepreneurship workshops will take place on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Sept. 19. Participants will receive a free pizza lunch.

Visit the Brock LINC website or ExperienceBU for a full calendar of upcoming Brock LINC programs, events and workshops.