We hope that the lessons learned through development of this program will inform the creation of similar programs at other institutions. With the changing landscape of a career in Chemistry and Physics, it is becoming increasingly important to help students chart their future course. By exposing students early on to the idea that options exist beyond academia, and that the research they undertake may one day translate into a company or business of their own design, programs like the INSPIRE program described here are better preparing our students for the challenging and exciting road ahead.