ON-RAMP: Turning ideas into thriving businesses

Launching Fall 2025, the Onboarding New-Resource Amplification Management Program (ON-RAMP) represents an exciting collaboration between Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics and Notre Dame University's Urban Poverty Business Initiative (UPBI).

This program combines the dynamic network of students, faculty, coaches and mentors to support entrepreneurs. As the newest initiative within our RAMP-Up portfolio, ON-RAMP harnesses our strategic UPBI partnership to cultivate emerging entrepreneurs throughout Seattle. The UPBI program selected Seattle as one of the 13 FIFA World Cup host cities for 2026, making our city the perfect launchpad for this program and entrepreneurial innovation on a global stage.

ON-RAMP empowers aspiring new entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams into reality. This is a 10-month program (Fall 2025-June 2026), starting with a fall six-week bootcamp. The program provides a step-by-step roadmap for launching a business, specifically designed for those in economically challenged areas who want to start their entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're completely new to entrepreneurship, have a business idea but don't know where to begin, or start but need more support, ON-RAMP breaks down the complex process of starting a business into manageable, actionable steps. 

ON-RAMP focuses on practical, proven strategies that you can implement immediately, taught by experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by emerging business owners.  ON-RAMP will follow a 3E model (Engage, Educate, Empower) to benefit all participants—students gain hands-on experience; the university builds community ties; and entrepreneurs receive coaching, resources, and technical support. The program integrates with the existing RAMP-Up initiative: “ON-RAMP to RAMP-Up.”