The Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies was established in 1991 through a gift from community leaders Owen and Erma Smith to what is now the College of Business and Economics at California State East Bay.
Since its inception, the intent of the donors, and the practice of the Smith Center has been to provide programs that promote a better understanding of the free market system and limited government under the rule of law among the university community as well as the general public.
The impact of technological advances, combined with entrepreneurial ingenuity, inevitably moves the economy toward market solutions, replacing less efficient arrangements and creating value for businesses and society as a whole. Our activities help participants identify the changes and opportunities which arise from this process. We aim to be a thought leader on the economy of the future, on campus and beyond.