Past Events
2023
It’s About the Story!
When: Thursday March 16, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
What: This presentation is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs create and present a targeted, crisp and compelling story for high growth investment audiences. Learn what high growth investors want to see in your presentation. Hints to create and deliver a compelling and exciting presentation.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about creating an investor presentation for their business.
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free. Light breakfast will be provided.
Sponsored by: NC Biotechnology Center
Show Me the Funding!
When: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
What: Topics covered in the Show Me the Funding! workshop include understanding different types of funding, including: venture capital, SBIR STTR grants and contracts, bootstrapping, debt financing, EDO-based funding, angel investors, crowdfunding and convertible debt and SAFE Notes
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about raising capital for their business.
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free. Light breakfast will be provided.
Sponsored by: NC Biotechnology Center
Leveraging “Customer Discovery” to Validate Your Idea
When: Wednesday March 1, 2023 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
What: The adage "If you build it, they will come" rarely holds true. Today's entrepreneurs must first validate the market opportunity for their innovation before launching a promising company. In this workshop, you will learn the skills, techniques, and tools of Customer Discovery to investigate if your idea can be truly successful and, if not, uncover where the true business opportunity really is.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students. Anyone interested in customer discovery.
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Welcome Wednesday
When: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs!
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Don’t Get Hacked: Practical Tips for Small Business Cyber Security
When: Wednesday February 1, 2023 – 2:00-3:00PM
What: This presentation will discuss current cybersecurity risks for small businesses and how to implement simple, low cost, yet highly effective actions to prevent cyber theft and embarrassing hacks.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in Cyber Security for small business
Where: UNCW CIE
Empowering You to Ask for Help--CIE Givitas Community
When: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
What: Are you looking to grow your professional network this year? Join the 500+ entrepreneurs, community members and students asking for help, collaborating, and networking in the UNCW CIE Givitas community. The goal of this community is to provide you with a place to ask for the help, advice, information, and resources you need to be successful while creating real and meaningful connections.
Who: Entrepreneurs, mentors, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in being more successful
Location: CIE or online (sign in details provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Welcome Wednesday
When: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs!
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free. Registration not required.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Empowering You to Ask for Help--CIE Givitas Community
When: Monday, January 30, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
What: Are you looking to grow your professional network this year? Join the 500+ entrepreneurs, community members and students asking for help, collaborating, and networking in the UNCW CIE Givitas community. The goal of this community is to provide you with a place to ask for the help, advice, information, and resources you need to be successful while creating real and meaningful connections.
Who: Entrepreneurs, mentors, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in being more successful
NC IDEA Spring 2023 Grants Information Session: Wilmington
When: Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: UNCW CIE
What: NC IDEA FOUNDATION staff provided an overview of upcoming Fall 2022 NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and NC IDEA SEED ($50K) grants, which provide funding to early-stage, high-growth companies. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Who: Whether you have an idea or have already launched your startup, NC IDEA delivers grants to help you take that next leap or scale operations. This Information Session is most relevant to early-stage, high-growth companies.
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Cost: Free
Intentional -- Plan for a Remarkable Year
When: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
What: Develop your own plan for a remarkable 2023 in this workshop. Facilitators will help you intentionally develop your plan for success. Download the flyer here.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in developing a plan for a successful 2023
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Registration by January 20 required. Register at: uncwcieintentional.eventbrite.com
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
2022
Welcome Wednesday
When: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs!
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Wilmington
When: November 14-20, 2022
GEW Wilmington is a celebration of entrepreneurship in the greater Wilmington region. It highlights some of the best of what is great about Wilmngton's entrepreneurs. Check out the program details here.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Entrepreneur Day
When: Wednesday, November 16
What: Thousands of students will be connected to successful entrepreneurs through their classrooms at UNCW and New Hanover County High Schools. Entrepreneurs and students will discuss business ownership as a career path, insights about being an entrepreneur, and how to get started.
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Mentor Madness
When: Thursday, November 17 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Where: UNCW CIE, 803 S College, Wilmington
What: A fast-paced, caffeinated speedmentoring program to connect startup and scaleup entrepeneurs with expert advisors.
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
When: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: UNCW CIE, 803 S College, Wilmington
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs!
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Registration is not required.
Cape Fear Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week
When: October 3-7, 2022
Where: Virtual and in-person events throughout the Wilmington region
What: MED Week recognizes the achievements of local minority entrepreneurs, provides opportunities for networking, and presents workshops to help grow and strengthen businesses. For a list of free in person and virtual events, please refer to the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website.
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce coordinates MED Week. CIE is a proud sponsor.
Welcome Wednesday
When: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: UNCW CIE, 803 S College, Wilmington
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs! A food truck will be available at lunch time.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of WilmingtonRegistration is not required.
Social Entrepreneurship: Growing your business and your society
When: Monday, October 3, 2022 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Where: Virtual
What: Do you want to start a business? Do you want to make positive change in the world or community? Choose both. Businesses of all types and sizes that develop solutions to social, cultural, and environmental issues are critical in today’s complex world. Learn more about how your potential or existing business can change the community you live in. Your business can do well while doing good.
This interactive panel will discuss opportunities, challenges, and resources to get you started in social entrepreneurship. The panel facilitator will be Jess Boersma, Ph.D., UNCW Associate Dean for Student Success & Research. The panel will consist of Heather McWhorter, Director of UNCW CIE; Xaver Neumeyer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, UNCW Cameron School of Business; Chris Prentice, Director of UNCW Center for Social Impact, and Glenda Tate of the Kairos Center (invited).
Who: This topic is relevant for people exploring business ownership, as well as existing business owners.
Cost: Free
Register at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website
Wednesday
When: Wed, Sept 7, 2022 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: UNCW CIE, 803 S College, Wilmington
What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tour of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners. Bonus: Free coworking all day for entrepreneurs! A food truck will be available at lunch time.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Registration is not required.
NC IDEA Fall 2022 Grants Information Session: Wilmington
When: Mon, Aug 8, 2022 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: UNCW CIE, 803 S College, Wilmington
What: NC IDEA FOUNDATION staff provided an overview of upcoming Fall 2022 NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and NC IDEA SEED ($50K) grants, which provide funding to early-stage, high-growth companies. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Who: Whether you have an idea or have already launched your startup, NC IDEA delivers grants to help you take that next leap or scale operations. This Information Session is most relevant to early-stage, high-growth companies.
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Cost: Free
Seventh Annual Chancellor's High School Innovation Competition and YEPex Youth Summit
April 29th, 2022, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register your 8th -12th graders for our virtual YEPex Summit to hear from our two keynote speaker Phil Everhart, President/Founder of SmartFox Technologies and Stefano Dongowski, Founder of Spice Squad and finalist on Chopped Jr. You will also get to see the finalists of our competition pitch LIVE to a panel of judges.
2021
Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week is coming quickly! November 8th-12th has a great line-up of events and networking opportunities. Find a detailed schedule of the Wilmington areas event below. Get more information about what GEW is all about.
Monday, November 8th
Webinar: Business Tax Essentials
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
"In this seminar, we will cover basic requirements to help North Carolina business owners understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax-compliant business. Participants learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of NC sales & use tax law, the basics of NC withholding tax law, step-by-step directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns, and directions for filing and paying online."
Speaker(s): NCDOR, Kayla DeMaria
Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College
Tuesday, November 9th
Pt. 1: Show Me the Funding
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
"Understanding Risk Capital and Other Ways to Fund Your Company"
Speaker(s): Chris Mather
Hosted by: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Watch Now
Entrepreneur Academy, Part 6: Basic Bookkeeping, Forecasting and Negotiating
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
"Business owners learn important strategies to help their business earn more profits and enhance their technical, organizational, and time management skills. Recordkeeping regulations, payroll strategy tips, and more."
Speaker(s): Steve Carver
Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College
Wednesday, November 10th
One Million Cups Wilmington
9:00 AM
"Local Entrepreneurs: Don't Miss This Opportunity! You will learn more about Wilmington Downtown, iNC & how they can support you..... Also... learn more about a $20,000 microloan program! Thank you WDI & Partner Organizations like Genesis Block and Bunker Labs to make sure that this program reaches minority-, women- and veteran-owned small businesses."
Speaker(s): WDI
Hosted by: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Webinar: Franchising and Copywriting
2:00 to 3:00 PM
"This class will provide you with a legal overview of (1) considerations when purchasing franchise (2) responsibility of the franchisor (3) the key terms you will want to pay attention to when deciding whether to enter into a particular franchise business agreement."
Speaker(s): Nancy Guyton, Attorney
Co-Sponsor(s): Law Firm Carolinas
Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College
Small Biz Studio
6:00 PM
"In working with business owners over the past 20 years Gretchen Steed has concluded that business owners are so focused on getting the doors opened and growing the business that they often forget to plan for the future. Gretchen joined Paychex Retirement Services out of a passion to help business owners learn how to leverage their business and help them plan for a dignified retirement."
Speaker(s): Gretchen Steed
Hosted by: Genesis Block
Thursday, November 11th
Pt. 2: Show Me the Funding
3:00 to 5:00 PM
Creating and Delivering a Great Investor Presentation
Speaker(s): Chris Mather
Hosted by: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Watch Now
How to Start a Non-Profit Business
6:00 to 7:15 PM
"In Part II of the “Creating A Nonprofit” seminar series, we will focus on making certain you have the right team within your organization. Understand the value of recruiting energetic board members, tools to help you develop your board, and how to keep them engaged with your cause once they join.
Topics Covered:
- How to evaluate engagement.
- Designing policies and procedures that address key.
- Organizational needs i.e. Conflict of Interest, Whistleblower.
- Document Retention, Fundraising, and more.
If your organization is ready to meet community needs, this is the session for you.
Speaker(s): David Morrison
Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College
All Blue Week, November 2-6
Over a dozen events planned around Wilmington and on UNCW’s main and marine science campuses. Events included an opening keynote address by acclaimed futurist Deborah Westphal, author of the new book, “Convergence”; a Blue Economy hackathon co-sponsored with Cape Fear Collective; tours of the Center for Marine Science and recreational opportunities such as a sustainable sunset cruise at the Blockade Runner resort.
Find the full list of activities here.
Scrum, Agile and Sprints. What are they and how do I use them to market my small business?
March 18th, 12 -1 PM
Scrum is a buzzword these days and it isn't just for software development. Learn to use the basics of Scrum, Agile and Sprints in your small business to make your marketing dollars do the work you need them to do
Alexandra Evans is the Scrum Master and CEO of Scrum to Go, a marketing service for small businesses. Using the framework of Scrum, the leading Agile development, we help you create and respond to change. Because the only constant is change. You need to be able to weather it and so do your customers. Talk to us, we'll help you manage it in short iterations without breaking the bank.
Watch Recording Here!
YEPex Monthly Meet-Up
The Third Monday of each month, 4:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. via Zoom
We are in our third year of this new pilot program called the Youth Entrepreneurship Program experience. This program is for 9-12 graders who have any interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. We will have a brief program followed by an engaging hands on activity. FREE for EVERYONE!
March 15th: Turn Your Good Idea Into a Patent with IBM Master Inventor Martin Keen
You don't have to be Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison to become a prolific inventor. Last year the US Patent Office issued 399,000 utility patents. Including 92 to this guy, IBM Master Inventor Martin Keen, making him the most prolific inventor in NC last year. In this session Martin talks about how he got started in inventing, his favorite invention, and what it takes to evaluate and shape your good idea into something patentable. Attendees will break out into teams to brainstorm their own patentable ideas and receive feedback from Martin.
Watch Recording Here!
Health and Human Services Week March 8-12: Certification in Innovation Healthcare
Watch the Pre-Recorded Panel Discussion Here!
NHRMC and UNCW are in the process of designing a semester-long Certificate Program in Health Care Innovation This course will get people out of the building, talking to stakeholders to discover pain points in health care. Participants will then take these pain points through an innovative process to develop possible solutions. Teams will build a business around one solution and pitch their idea to investors. You will have the opportunity to meet local health care entrepreneurs and learn about the local ecosystem! Participants will receive a UNCW Health Care Innovation Certificate! Space is limited to 25 people per course. For more information click here!
Why this Program? According to the World Economic Forum, the top skills needed by employers in 2025 include: analytical thinking and innovation, problem-solving skills, self-management, working with people, and technology use and development.
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey so we can continue to make this program as valuable to our audience as possible!
International Women's Day Speaker Series
March 8th - March 12th
We are excited to partner with UNCW Swain Center Executive Education and Economic Development to be able to invite you to join us in celebrating our International Women's Day & Speaker Series. There will be four experts in women in leadership, each day from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm eastern standard time.
Watch Recordings Here!
Networking in the World of 202ONE
Wednesday, February 3rd, 12 - 1 P.M.
It is so important to find your why in order to find your way. What is your passion? How do you find others with the same passions and similar goals as you? Step one is showing up. And that’s just want Franchon and Micki did. In the middle of the pandemic, these two female entrepreneurs didn’t know what was ahead, but they allowed the power of passion to drive them to opening a door and walking through it.
Join us at this engaging networking session to hear a little more about their story and learn some helpful tools as it relates to networking. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Putting yourself out there can be scary, but after this program you will feel more empowered and prepared to take on networking in 2021.
Watch recording Here!
Opportunities for Investing and Innovating in the World of E-sports
Esports is a billion-dollar industry whose viewership rivals professional sports. Its platforms, Twitch and YouTube gaming, each boast more subscribers than Netflix and according to Goldman Sachs is expected to grow 35% per year over the next 5 years. The following presentation will describe what esports is, the business behind esports, and what UNCW and southeastern NC have been doing to engage in this new industry.
Watch recording Here!
CIE Art Mural Reveal
December 15th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thanks to Erica Nelson at Mural Modern, partnered with our very own UNCW School of Arts applied learning students, we are able to share the history and culture of Wilmington NC with you!
nc fILM forum: Holiday Han gout
Second Tuesday of Every Month
December 9, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
FREE Event!
Motivate and Engage in a COVID World
Wednesday, October 21, 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Presenter: Lisa Leath, SHRM-SCP is the Founder of WorkTok
Engaged staff don’t just enjoy their jobs and their workplace—they’re inspired to do their best work, and they’re willing to go above and beyond to help their organization succeed. In this workshop, you will walk away with useful tools to take back to your business or organization that will inspire you to be a better leader, during and after COVID.
Watch recorded session HERE!
YEPex Monthly Meet-Up
The Third Monday of each month, 4:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. via Zoom
We are in our third year of this new pilot program called the Youth Entrepreneurship Program experience. This program is for 9-12 graders who have any interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. We will have a brief program followed by an engaging hands on activity. FREE for EVERYONE!
September 21 : District C Questioning Tool Workshop, Watch recorded session HERE
October 19 : District C Dezbee McDaniel Workshop, Watch recorded session HERE
November 16 : Social Entrepreneurship, Watch recorded session HERE
December 14 : Blue Economy, Watch recorded session HERE
nc fILM forum: Insurance Insights
Second Tuesday of Every Month
October 14, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Did you miss this? Recording will be posted ASAP.
MED (Minority Enterprise Development) Week
Monday, October 5- Saturday, October 10
MED Week recognizes the achievements of local minority entrepreneurs, provides opportunities for networking, and presents workshops to help grow and strengthen businesses. There are a variety of events line up throughout the week catering to all businesses, please visit our program schedule for more information and find session recordings.
1 Million Cups 2020 Coastal Entreprenurial Awards Series
Wednesdays, 9:00 A.M via Zoom
- Coastal Pet Hospice - Professional Services
- Connected Home Inc. - Internet-Related Business
- Electronic Lab Logs - Health Care
- End of Days Distillery - COVID Innovation
- Epiphany Software Corporation - Technology
- Isosceles Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Biotechnology
- Lighthouse Films - Film
- NourishNC - Nonprofit
- Tama Tea - Manufacturing & Distribution
- WorkTok - Emerging Company
- Wrightsville Beach Brewery - Retail & Hospitality
Virtual Leadership in the New "Normal"
September 10, 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
We are excited to have Rob Campbell share his knowledge on redefining social distancing, building and maintain a leadership foundation, and effective communication. Free Event!
Did you miss this? Watch the full recording HERE!
nc fILM forum: Drone Day with Dave Azor
Second Tuesday of Every Month
September 9, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Did you miss this? Watch the full recording HERE!
District C(IE) Squad Pitch Day
Friday, September 4, 10 A.M. via Zoom
Four students from the Recreation, Sport Leadership & Tourism Management program that are interning with the CIE this fall semester will be going through the District C experience gaining valuable experience with working on a diverse team to solve a REAL complex problem for the CIE and UNCW. After a two week experience, the team of interns will present to the business partner their proposed solution.
Please attend this event to learn more about a new initiative the CIE will be focused on for 2020/2021 and hear our students present their proposal and show off their work over the last two weeks. Learn more about the District C Model that can be made available to more UNCW students in the coming months!
Did you miss the presentation? Watch here!
FREE for Everyone!
nc fILM forum: Legals and Locations
Second Tuesday of Every Month
August 12, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Thomas Varnum of Brooks Pierce Law to chat with us about all things legals & locations! Thomas Varnum represents individuals and companies active in all types of entertainment projects, from film and television, to online videos and other media.
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Drink Local, Stay Social: It's time to SOCIALIZE!
Thursday, July 23, 5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
Join us for a launch of Socialize, a new app, hosted by the CIE in partnership with Wrightsville Beach Brewery, Wilmington Brewing Company, and Fermental. Are you tired of Zoom calls? Are you missing the face-to-face networking events? Are you looking to engage in the community? It's time to SOCIALIZE! With the help of Socialize's new app technology, networking events are back...virtually! Support our local bottle shop and brewery partners by grabbing your favorite beverage. Show that you are registered for the event and you can recieve free swag and discounted options! LET'S NETWORK!
nc fILM forum: Getting Your Gear
Second Tuesday of Every Month
July 8, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Michelle Roca from Lighthouse Films give us the scoop on 'Getting Your Gear'. From mega studio films, television, commercials, to small indie films and passion projects, Michelle has a rich knowledge about this step in the process of filmmaking!
How Food Truc s Do Business With UNCW: A Zoom Seminar
Tuesday, July 7, 9 A.M. - 10 A.M. via Zoom
Interested in getting inolved with UNCW's campus? Join us for our informational webinar on how to do business as a food truck at UNCW. Complete this Google Form that asks the question's Aramark will need to know. There are also questions if you're interested in serving at the Minority Enterprise Development Week October 5-10, 2020.
Harnessing Innovation: Fresh Approaches to Growth, Creativity, and Transformation
Tuesday, June 23, 11 A.M. - 12 P.M. via
During this 60-minute keynote, Sara Frasca will share the 5 more mindsets of innvation, a proven approach to cultivating organization-wide innovation. In this inspiring speech, Sara will share stories of real-world innovation and tools required to dramatically improve your innovation capacity.
With the curiosity of Galileo and the tenacity of a street fighter, Sara Frasca is an innovation expert. Honing her skills at senior leadership roles in both corporate America and the world of startups, Sara now serves as Vice President of Innovation for Platypus Labs, a global innovation enablement, invention, and consulting firm. She helps leading organizations cultivate human imagination, build a culture of innovation, and solve complex problems in creative ways. Sara is the go-to resource for leaders seeking competitive advantage and sustainable success by harnessing innovation.
Prior to Platypus Labs, Sara spent 13 years at General Mills in multiple leadership roles. She was also an account director at the interactive agency ePrize, leading the forefront of digital transformation for Fortune 500 brands. Sara is the founder and proud owner of Trasca & Co. Eatery, and was named the 2017 Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Jacksonville, Florida.
Monthly nc fILM forum Meetups are BACK!
Second Tuesday of Every Month
June 10, 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Our special guest on June 10 is Mark Fincannon speaking on this month's topic: Cast and Crew
2020 Velocity Creative Accelerator Info Session for Wilmington Creatives
Tuesday, May 5, 10:45 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.
Turn your creative passion into a growing business with Velocity, created and powered by the Center for Creative Economy
Join this webinar to learn how to apply for this 9-week startup accelerator designed just for creatives!
What to Expect
- Learn if Velocity is the right accelerator for you
- Find out how creatives are important to the economy
- An overview of Velocity and the 9-week curriculum
- How to apply to the accelerator
YEPex Youth Summit
Friday, May 1, 10 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. via Zoom
At 10am on May 1st, 2020, the CIE will be hosting the YEPex Youth Summit online via Zoom. We are lucky to have Brian Hamilton as the keynote speaker for the Youth Summit. He is the founder of the Brian Hamilton Foundation which is an organization that promotes entrepreneurship for all. This year's youth keynote speaker is Nicole Renee, founder of Kickflip and the 2019 Techstars Startup Weekend Winner. Our emcee for the second year in a row will be radio personality, Brandon Bigg B Hickman who will drive us through the program presentations of the top three teams for the social enterprise track and top three teams for the for-profit track. The winners will be announced live during the summit.
This year’s top six teams represent Wilmington Early College, Topsail High School, Southwest Onslow High School, Cape Fear Academy, Isaac Bear Early College and Hoggard High School.
Winners Were:
Social Enterprise: 3rd place, Spark (Zealia from Hoggard High School); 2nd place Litter Detection Tech (David from Cape Fear Academy); 1st place NCVSDE (Ella from Isaac Bear Early College)
For Profit Enterprise: 3rd place, Urge Basketball Fitness (Elizabeth from Southwest Onslow High School); 2nd place, SafeTKam (Robert and Olivia from Wilmington Early College High School); 1st place, Cactus Security (Cate from Topsail High School)
New Ventures Webinar
March 18, 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.
New Ventures Accelerator Director Adrian Smith will lead a discussion on the New Ventures 2020 Accelerator.
We look for great teams building technology-enabled businesses in growing markets. We're industry agnostic and accept teams where we feel we can really add value. We invest $50K on average, but it's much more than the investment. New Ventures offers structured accountability - it's a place to validate your ideas, perform exhaustive customer discovery, build your MVP, make sales, onboard users, develop internal processes -- all within a framework of milestones, mentorship, and accountability.
Join for the Webinar - after a short presentation we'll have Q&A. We're excited to learn about your companies. You can read more at New Ventures 2020 and start your application on F6S.com.
WilmingtoNColor
Thursday, February 27, 5:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Imagine a place where minorities actually lived a fulfilled, prosperous and meaningful life. A place where the majority of the population consisted of African American entrepreneurs and politicians. A progressive utopia that provided equal opportunities for all!
Well….what if I told that utopia…...was once Wilmington, NC. (You thought I was going to say Wakanda, didn't you?)
Come and learn about the history of Wilmington's African American entrepreneurial history as we explore the historical events of the 1898 massacre coup.
This program will also discuss how you can assist Cedric Harrison, founder of Support the Port Foundation - with his business mission to bridge the gap of race and social economics…….
Target Audiences: Students, professionals, tech community, historians, educations - all are welcome to attend!
Tap Gig Economy to Boost Your Entrepreneurial Habits
Wednesday, February 26, 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Gig Economy is the latest workplace trend: 60 million Americans are independent contractors for a fee.
At this workshop, you will acquire skills to be a proactive Doer who generates clients and income.Plus, you'll gain proven techniques to manage contractors (as owner/employer).
Presenter: During his early career, Tim Conway was in sales for Xerox Corporation in Ohio. After moving to Chicago, he contributed to McDonald’s (project manager) and Sears (public relations).
Using his natural talents, Tim researched/wrote two business plans. Then he participated in Gig Economy for a decade: marketing/communications for small business owners; academic/career counseling for young adults (parents paid fee).
Plus, Conway was Adjunct Faculty at three campuses. With expertise in all-things-Entrepreneurship, he advised twenty-somethings evaluating a startup.
Now as a volunteer Career Coach for collegians and under-employed professionals, Tim encourages others that “America is the home of second (and third) opportunities.”
Inaugural Candidates' Forum on the Arts set for February 24
Monday, February 24, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th Street
The Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County, in association with UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is hosting our inaugural Candidates’ Forum on February 24, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th Street.
All candidates running for local office are invited to participate in the forum as we celebrate and promote the bipartisan issue of economic development through the arts. The public is invited to meet the candidates, ask questions, and voice support of the arts and the creative economy. The forum is free and open to all.
The creative economy is a major economic driver in our local economy, and organizations such as the Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County play an important role in economic development.
According to the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 report, New Hanover County’s nonprofit arts and culture industry…
* Generates $55,805,425 in annual economic activity
* Supports 2,076 full-time equivalent jobs
* Produces $44,122,000 in household income for local residents
* Generates $5,642,000 in local and state government revenues
The Arts Council’s mission is to support artists and arts organizations through innovative public/private partnerships that support jobs, stimulate commerce, and showcase the region as an arts destination. UNCW CIE supports innovative new ventures that spur growth and generate jobs in creative economy sectors. Both are nonpartisan entities.
Please contact Rhonda Bellamy, executive director of the Arts Council, for more information.
How can I create an effective (and RIGHT) MVP?
Wednesday, February 19, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Description: The number ONE reason the majority of startups fail is that the founders can't find the right product-market fit. It is indeed not an easy feat, but deeply understanding why and applying the right process can drastically reduce this risk. If you would like to learn how to properly build MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), create quick and inexpensive market tests, and better understand your customers' needs, you should join us in this workshop.
Agenda:
1) Should I spend 100+k/6+ months developing the app for my product?
2) What is lean startup and how is it related to app development?
3) What really is an MVP and why is it essential for app development?
4) How can I build the right MVP?
5) How do I know I'm doing it right?
6) What is market testing, and how does it relate to an MVP?
7) Hands-on: hypothesis testing and MVP creation
Presenters: Rod Greco, CEO and Co-Founder of Owera and John Petitte, COO and Co-Founder of Owera
YEPex Monthly Meetup
Monday, February 17, 4:30 - 6 P.M.
We are in our second year of this new pilot program called the Youth Entrepreneurship Program experience. This program is for 9-12 graders who have any interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. We will have a brief program followed by an engaging hands on activity.
The speakers this month are Girard Newkirk and Patrick Brien.
FREE for everyone!
NCIDEA Spring 2020 Grants Information Session
Monday, February 3, 5:30 - 7 P.M.
We will be hosting NC IDEA FOUNDATION to provide an overview of NC IDEA FOUNDATION programming, specifically focusing on its two Spring 2020 grant opportunities that support ambitious, growth-oriented companies: NC IDEA MICRO ($10,000) and NC IDEA SEED ($50,000).
The session kicks off with a brief walk through of the various grants and programs offered by the Foundation and how they may benefit you and your company. The session continues with sharing of tips and best practices for writing a competitive grant application, covering the anatomy of the application with specifics on what the reviewers are looking for in each section. Eligibility requirements for NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED will also be covered to provide you with a greater understanding of each opportunity and which one may be most appropriate and beneficial for you and your company.
Pizza will be served at the event.
**NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED grant applications open February 3, 2020 and close March 2, 2020 at 5pm ET. For more information, click here.
Free for everyone!
YEPex Monthly Meetup
Monday, January 27, 4:30 - 6 P.M.
We are in our second year of this new pilot program called the Youth Entrepreneurship Program experience. This program is for 9-12 graders who have any interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. We will have a brief program followed by an engaging hands on activity.
The speaker this month is entrepreneur, Derek Schmidt.
FREE for everyone!
AWS Training
Friday, January 24, 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Hands on AWS - Continue to learn AWS - Buildout, IAM, Subnetting, S3 Storage
Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Bring your own laptop for the workshop
Event organized by UNCW CCDE and ISSA Student Chapter
Exclusively for UNCW students, faculty, and staff
Thrills and Spills of Pathological Optimism
Wednesday, January 15, 4 - 6 P.M.
Seahawk, Inc. invites you to meet Nic Cooper, international attorney turned serial entrepreneur from England. He is part of the husband/wife team that created Limbs & Things, an unusual medical device company. Even if you don’t come, you MUST hit this link and see what it is all about ( https://limbsandthings.com/us). Seriously!
He has taken companies from concept to cash out, including public offerings. As a globalist and serial entrepreneur, Nic has a unique perspective on the nuances and tips that are far more insightful and colorful than most startup stories. Nic also has a deep North Carolina connection…as a young man he came to Davidson College to play competitive tennis. Don’t miss this opportunity to be entertained and engage with a very unique individual that is the epitome of innovation and entrepreneurship in the 21st Century.
