CIE has been providing events, programs, and services since 2013. Below are some programs provided in the past few years.
Wednesday, November 1 | 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
SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE
Wednesday, November 8 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
What: This is module 4 of a four-part series on how AI can help your small business.
This module focuses on training the AI for maximum potential for small business.
Where: CIE
Cost: Free. Registration required.
Thursday, November 16 8AM-11AM
What: A face-paced, caffeinated speedmentoring program to connect startup and scaleup entrepreneurs with
expert advisors. Entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to meet with 3-4 Mentors, and CIE Mentors will have an opportunity to meet with 3-4 entrepreneurs.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Wednesday, October 4 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
October 10-14, 2023
Dive into Cape Fear's MED Week, a whirlwind of programs and exhilarating outreach activities. This isn't just a week - it's a monumental tribute! It's where we toast to the prowess of minority entrepreneurs and boldly declare the unyielding commitment of government agencies, business magnates, and community champions to the unwavering principle of equal opportunity.
Learn more: Cape Fear MED Week website
SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE
Wednesday, October 18 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
What: This is module 1 of a four-part series on how AI can help your small business.
Where: CIE
Cost: Free. Registration required.
SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE
Wednesday, October 25 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
What: This is module 2 of a four-part series on how AI can help your small business.
This class will focus on developing advertising using AI for Small Business.
Where: CIE
Cost: Free. Registration required.
SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE
Tuesday, October 31 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
What: This is module 3 of a four-part series on how AI can help your small business.
This module focuses on spreadsheet development using AI.
Where: CIE
Cost: Free. Registration required.
SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE
Tuesday, September 26 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What: Early stage innovation-based businesses face a unique set of foundational challenges as they get off the ground and grow. This workshop highlights the unique needs of innovation-driven companies, including university spinouts.
Learn from experts in the areas of dilutive and non-dilutive funding, legal & IP, business development, and university tech transfer, and network with successful innovation-oriented entrepreneurs.
Where: CIE
Tuesday, September 19 | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
What: Join us for exploring technical and sustainability innovations in the blue economy.
For more information visit the Ocean Innovation Conference program page.
Where: UNCW Burney Center
Cost: Registration cost is $99. Scholarships for students and others are available. Contact cie@uncw.edu for information.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington, NC IDEA Foundation, NC SeaGrant, UNCW Center for Marine Science, Blue Mind Coworking,Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center, and NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC).
Tuesday, September 19 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
What: Wallace J. Nichols, the brilliant mind behind the best-selling book "Blue Mind - The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do", will share his groundbreaking insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the profound connection between humans and water. Discover how spending time near, in, on, or under water can enhance our happiness, creativity, and overall health.
Where: Blue Mind Coworking
Cost: Free.
Thursday, September 7
What: CIE is celebrating turning 10 years old! We are gathering today to celebrate the advancement of entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast North Carolina with a ribbon cutting at our facility. The ribbon cutting cutting ceremony will include remarks from Wilmington Mayor Saffo, Chancellor Volety, Wilmington Chamber President, and NC IDEA President Thom Ruhe. A short 10 year anniversary highlight film by the CIE Media team will be debuted. Entrepreneurs, university, and community will gather to celebrate this unique university-based contribution to the Wilmington entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sponsored by: IVT Group
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free, registration required.
Monday, August 28 - Friday, September 1 | Pizza Party on September 1 at 6:00 PM
Who: UNCW Students
What: Start any time the week of August 28th by going to the Entrepreneurship Club table in front of Cameron Hall between 10am-1pm, the Involvement Carnival, or just stop by CIE to grab a card and get started. Fill your card with a sticker from each location on the map for a chance to win prizes at the pizza party on Friday!
Prizes have been donated by:
Where: UNCW Campus | Pizza Party at CIE
Cost: Free
Monday, July 31, 2023 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
What: NC IDEA FOUNDATION staff will provide an overview of upcoming Fall 2023 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.
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Cost: Free.
Wednesday, June 21 | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
What: Join us to learn more about budgeting, bookkeeping, financial statements, insurance, and managing cashflow.
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: UNCW SBTDC and First Citizens Bank
Cost: Free.
Thursday, June 8, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
What: What is the Blue Economy? Attend our workshop to learn about the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. Just in time for World Ocean Day!
These questions will be answered:
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about the blue economy
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
What: The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards recognizes up-and-coming ventures in our region as well as established companies that keep innovating.
Where: UNCW Burney Center
Cost: Variable Costs. Registration required.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What: You will learn how to review and explore potential “road blocks” that your business may face with the first year of your launch. These include financial restraints, market shifts, supply chain issues, and state and federal laws that may impact your employees. Working as a team, you will be able to navigate the interior and exterior of the business model canvas to ensure your business in prepared. You will also learn Disaster Relief and Resiliency Best Practices for North Carolina to ensure you keep your business safe and prepared for natural or economic disasters of the future.
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Co-sponsors: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Friday, May 5, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What: Sponsored by CIE, YWCA's Living the Dream conference is designed to provide support, resources, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs and business owners.
This one-day conference will include keynote speakers and panel discussions from successful women in business on topics such as marketing, finance, and leadership. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, build relationships, and be inspired to actualize their dreams and take their businesses to the next level.
The goal of the conference is to empower women to grow their businesses, overcome obstacles, and achieve success!
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: $10
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
What: You will explore the best ways to identify the customers that are the best fit for business growth and stability and how to build long-term relationships and buyer loyalty. You will focus on which marketing materials, social media channels, and branding elements will be important for your business goals as you begin to launch your products and services. Teams will work to define a launch strategy to ensure that students understand how to define a path to success. You will also build a project startup budget utilizing the business model canvas building blocks to ensure they are confident on how to prepare budgets and capital requirements.
Cost: Free
Note: This is part of a 4-part series. Be sure to also register for the following programs on May 9.
Co-sponsors: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and UNCW Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
What: Six entrepreneurial high school teams will pitch their ideas to judges and peers to compete for cash.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in supporting future entrepreneurs and leaders
Where: Kenan Auditorium, UNCW
Sponsored by: UNCW
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What: You will learn the proven techniques of identifying your best products and services and their benefit and impact on your profitability. You will explore Access to Capital from the “eyes of a lender” to help you understand and navigate how to prepare your businesses short- and long-term capital needs and what it takes to obtain the capital with confidence. Students will explore best practices for financial success to include learning how to navigate a cash flow projection and its impact on the business plan. Students will also learn how to identify the best three products/services that will propel their business forward towards profitability.
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Note: This is part of a 4-part series. Be sure to also register for the following programs on May 2 and May 9.
Co-sponsors: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and UNCW Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Thursday, April 20, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
What: What is the Blue Economy? Attend our workshop to learn about the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. Just in time for Earth Day!
These questions will be answered:
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about the blue economy
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
What: You will explore the Business Model Canvas 9 building blocks of success for any small business. In this workshop you will begin to understand how to connect the dots and find red flags that could impact your business and prevent growth opportunities. The instructor will guide you through a team exercise that will help you explore how to navigate all opportunities and decide which are best for your business utilizing the business model canvas. At the end of the workshop, you will have a strong understanding of how to prepare your business and your employees for reviewing every new product or service and its benefit or impact.
Cost: Free
Note: This is part of a 4-part series. Be sure to also register for the following programs on April 25, May 2, and May 9.
Co-sponsors: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and UNCW Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Wednesday, April 5, 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
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
Sponsored by: NC Biotechnology Center
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.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: NC Biotechnology Center
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.
Cost: Free
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
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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
Cost: Free
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
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 is not required.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
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
Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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.
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Cost: Free
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.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in developing a plan for a successful 2023
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
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
Cost: Free. Registration is not required.
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
When: November 14-20, 2022
What: GEW Wilmington is a celebration of entrepreneurship in the greater Wilmington region. It highlights some of the best of what is great about Wilmington's entrepreneurs. Check out the program details here.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Thursday, November 17, 2022 8:00 AM -10:30 AM
What: A fast-paced, caffeinated speedmentoring program to connect startup and scaleup entrepreneurs with expert advisors.
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
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
Wednesday, November 2, 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 student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Cost: Free
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
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.
Wednesday, October 5, 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! A food truck will be available at lunch time.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of WilmingtonRegistration is not required.
Monday, October 3, 2022 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
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.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Wednesday, September 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! A food truck will be available at lunch time.
Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and student, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE
Where: UNCW CIE
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: City of Wilmington
Registration is not required.
Monday, August 8, 2022 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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.
Where: UNCW CIE
Sponsored by: NC IDEA
Cost: Free