Jan 21, 2017 10:29 PM EST By Audri Taylors, UniversityHerald Reporter

College life, to most people, is one of the best days of their lives, but their colleges and universities continue to play a major role in the lives of these students even after they graduate. Higher education institutions can serve as a major or valuable resource for entrepreneurs as it can help them gather funds as well as tools to get their business off the ground.

The relationship between the graduate the school itself can be mutually beneficial because when colleges help their graduates with starting up their business, they can also earn a good reputation for their future prospective students.Whether you are still a student or a graduate, here are the areas you can explore now to find help from your alma mater.

Source of fresh ideas

Colleges and universities are excellent sources of new ideas from their students, professors and their own research, according to Business Insider, which is why they appreciate it when real world entrepreneurs come to their doors and check which ones are useful in the marketplace.

Access to product research and intellectual property

Most universities have research reports in their library which can be a perfect source of new ideas if you are looking for a place to start according to Entrepreneur, and you can take advantage of them.

Entrepreneurship classes or business plan assistance

Every university has business courses or evening classes that can help you in building your initial business plan or financial model. This way, you will no longer have to pay for the cost of an expensive business consultant.

Find technical advisors

University professors can offer your great industry connections, free legal and technical advice as well as share with you their learning and knowledge that are crucial for your startup.

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