CIE Events

"Painting 1 Million Cups Blue" for World Ocean's Day (June)

Every Wednesday in June | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

What: Bluetech and blue economy entrepreneurs present information about their startups and organizations during 1 Million Cups Wilmington as part of World Ocean’s Day.

Who: Everyone is invited

Where: UNCW CIE

Cost: Free 

Legal Tool Kit, Poyner Spruill Legal Series

Tuesday, July 8 8:30-10:00 a.m.

What: Navigating Contracts: Essential Insights for Entrepreneurs
On July 8th, our third seminar will be an engaging discussion featuring experienced Poyner Spruill attorneys, plus a special guest speaker—Sarah Clayton, VP of the American Arbitration Association. Together, they will explore the critical aspects of contracts that every entrepreneur should understand. This session will cover key principles of contract law, common pitfalls, and best practices for safeguarding your business interests. Topics will include drafting agreements, negotiating terms, ensuring compliance, and understanding provisions like restrictive covenants (including non-compete agreements) that may affect your business. Additionally, we will examine Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods in breaches of contract, offering insights into mediation, arbitration, and other strategies to efficiently resolve disputes while minimizing costs and legal complexities.

Whether you’re establishing partnerships, hiring employees, or protecting proprietary information, this discussion will provide valuable legal insights to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Location: CIE Event Space

Cost: Free

Register Here

Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday, September 3 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tours 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 

Legal Tool Kit, Poyner Spruill Legal Series

Tuesday, September 16 8:30-10:00 a.m.

What: Topic TBD

Location: CIE Event Space

Cost: Free

Ocean Innovation Conference

Tuesday, September 30  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

What: Turn knowledge to action at the 3rd UNCW Ocean Innovation Conference on September 30, 2025. Learn, engage, network, and spark new ideas to create ideas and solutions.

This is an high-energy conference for everyone from venture capital, elected officials, and startup founders to youth and concerned citizens. We hope that you join us.

Location: UNCW Burney Center

Cost: $79 until May 31st

Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday, November 5 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tours 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 

Legal Tool Kit, Poyner Spruill Legal Series

Tuesday, November 11 8:30-10:00 a.m.

What: Topic TBD

Location: CIE Event Space

Cost: Free

Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday, December 3 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

What: Visitors welcome! CIE staff will be available all day to provide tours 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 

1 Million Cups Wilmington

Every Wednesday at 9:00-10:00 a.m. at CIE or online.

1 Million Cups Wilmington is part of a national movement to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs and communities over one million cups of coffee. Any regional business that is 5 years old or less is welcome to present.

Subscribe to our 1 Million Cups Wilmington email by signing up for the CIE Email List to receive weekly emails with speaker announcements and Zoom links. Follow us on our Facebook @1MCWilmingtonNC to get weekly updates and to watch the speakers on Facebook Live. 

1 MILLION CUPS Wilmington website

Information about hosting an Event