In 1973, The Wharton School took the lead among major business schools by creating the Wharton Entrepreneurial Center, the oldest center for entrepreneurial studies in the United states. Now consisting of the Sol C. Snider Entrepreneurial Research Center and the Georgen Entrepreneurial Management Program, Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs (WEP) enjoys an international reputation for leadership in research and teaching as well as outreach to a range of organizations involved with wealth creation.
        Today, more than 20 faculty members teach entrepreneurial courses at Wharton. Other WEP activities include the Wharton Business Plan Competition, the Journal of Business Venturing, the Family Controlled Corporation Program, the Venture Initiation Program (an "accelerator" facility) and a Small Business Development Center (SBDC).