Past Events
2015
Sales and Marketing Event
December 10
Dan Stiff and 9 other community leaders led a discussion on sales strategies and marketing techniques for Wilmington business community.
CIE Student Employee Lunch and Learn
December 4
Students are given the opportunity to learn how to prepare a well-written resume and accurately describe job responsibilities for an interview.
Tuesdays with the Director: Business and the Law Presentation.
November 17
Cucalorus Connect
November 11, Thalian Hall
InnovateHER Pitch Workshop with Tigers Eye Sensor, Inc.
October 28
Attendees heard from the team that made it all the way from DC to pitch for the SBA competition and to help others prepare to pitch at Cucalorus Connect.
Ward and Smith, P.A. Lunch and Learn Series
October 15
Attorney Adam M. Beaudoin explored the differences between choice of entity when starting a new business, as well as discuss the importance of operating agreements and agreements of shareholders.
IEI Event
October 8
Pitch Competition to vote on who to send to Raleigh to represent Wilmington’s Social Entrepreneurship scene.
Social Entrepreneurship Faculty Event: Law Day with keynote presenter Jeremy M. Wilson, Business Litigator
September 17
He provided an overview of the relationship between business and the law, highlighted the key issues in such areas as business entity formation, intellectual property, and employment law, and provided practical tips ranging from common legal obstacles confronted by new and expanding businesses to how such businesses can best utilize the services of an attorney.
Art Exhibit
September 16
Student artists from UNCW display their artwork at the CIE, and hold a launch event each semester to promote the rotating pieces.
Innovate NC and LinkedIn Fundamentals for Students
September 15
CIE Welcome Week Event
August 27
This annual event is intended to promote student engagement with the CIE.
NC IDEA
August 21
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, targets promising technology companies that need help bridging the gap between initial product development and venture capital funding. The organization helps young, innovative companies mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants, accelerating the creation of new North Carolina companies and jobs. NC IDEA further supports its grant winning companies by leveraging the organization’s solid partnerships and strategic alliances to assist companies through business challenges and growth goals.
Ward and Smith Lunch and Learn Series
August 20
Attorney Adam M. Beaudoin will explore the differences between choice of entity when starting a new business, as well as discuss the importance of operating agreements and agreements of shareholders.
Self-Mentoring: From Start-Up to Success
June 25, 4pm, CIE
Marsha Carr, an entrepreneur who made all the mistakes and still succeeded, shared tips to navigate the pitfalls of a start-up, including product development, trademarks, web domains and marketing. Missed the presentation? See the full video here!
The Coastal Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: It's Not a Jungle Out There
May 28, 4:00-7:00pm, CIE
Representatives from the CIE, Seahawk Innovation, Elite Innovations, tekMountain, Ignition, and the Small Business and Technology Development Center discussed the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees learned how it supports innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses in the Wilmington area and sustains both incubator and accelerator resources necessary for continued growth. Check out the video from the event here!
Jim Harvey
May 7, 4:00-7:00pm, CIE
Jim Harvey's entrepreneurial spirit combined with a passion for helping customers succeed, drive him to help developers market and monetize their apps. In celebration of UNCW's commencement activities, Jim, a UNCW graduate, was here to tell his story and share his experiences in business and in life since leaving UNCW.
Building a Successful Product and Innovation Based Company in NC
March 26, 4:00pm, CIE
With the growth of the partnership between CIE and the MakerSpace, the MakerSpace has over 20 new product based companies in Wilmington from a Bluetooth based pet dish to a potential solution for COPD victims. Aly Khalifa, Founder of Gamila Products/Design Box spoke about his experience.
TriMech 3D Printer Lunch & Learn
March 11, 10:00am-2:00 pm, CIE
TriMech 3D Printer Lunch & Learn where attendees had the opportunity to meet Stratasys representatives, network with business professionals and learn more about the latest 3D printing technologies and services offered.
Growing Life Sciences in Wilmington
Thursday, February 26, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at MARBIONC at CREST Research Park
- Resources needed to grow the industry: Panelists included: Dr. John Hardin, Executive Director for the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation; John Ujvari, SBIR Program Specialist with the North Carolina SBTDC; Rick Hill and Paul Wyatt of NC CommerceModerated by: Deb Mosca, Marine Bio-Technologies Center of Innovation
- Securing financing: Panelists included: Mike Rhoades, Wilmington Investor Network; Bob Creeden, former Blackstone Entrepreneur Network; Rik Vandevenne, River Cities Capital Funds Moderated by: Gary Hayes, COO, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Scale Finance
- Corporate partners: Panelists included: Sam Tetlow, EpiCypher and former VC with Research Triangle Ventures; Dr. Austin Yeargan; Joe Ruiz, Small Business Innovative Research Grant Writer | Emerging Biotech R & D Specialist Moderated by:Alexander C. Dale, Ward and Smith, P.A.
Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs
Beginning February 17, CIE
An 8-session, 3-month long boot camp open for 12 participants.
Startup 2015 on the Right Path
January 22, 5:00pm, CIE
The CIE's primary goal is to help entrepreneurs start on the right path. Early fundamental mistakes can kill a company fast. 70% of startups fail in the first 3 to 5 years, but when given help with the basics, 70% succeed, according to Kauffman Foundation. Panelists included: Adam Beaudoin, Ward and Smith, P.A.; Lauren McKenzie, Adam Shay CPA; Chip Royce, founder/principal, Flywheel Advisors Inc. and was moderated by Adam Burke, entrepreneur/investor.
