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Empowering bold ideas, courageous individuals, and our community through innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

Empowering bold ideas, courageous individuals, and our community through innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

What you'll read:

1. Ocean Innovation Conference

2. UNCW CIE FY2024 Annual Report

3. UNCW Student Scavenger Hunt

4. Mapping North Carolina's Blue Economy

5. Seahawk Innovation Challenge

6. Welcome New Interns!

7. Goodbye, Emily - Wishing You All the Best!

8. Tenant Spotlight: Sherri May, UNCW SBTDC

9. Office Space Available

10. Upcoming Events - Register Today!

11. CIE in the News

12. Parting Thought

Reading Time: 5 minutes

1. Ocean Innovation Conference

Social Announcement

Mark your calendars for the Ocean Innovation Conference on September 17th, 2024! Join us to explore technical and sustainable innovations in the Blue Economy. Secure your spot for our Ocean Innovation Conference early by taking advantage of our Early Bird Registration, now available. Don't miss the opportunity to listen to inspiring keynote speakers and a dynamic panel discussing groundbreaking work in the Blue Economy. This year, we’re expanding the Innovation Fair, increasing networking time, and even adding an optional second day (at no additional cost to you!). We can't wait to sea you there!

2. UNCW CIE FY2024 Annual Report

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We are thrilled to share our FY2024 annual report! This report not only highlights our remarkable achievements over the past year but also offers a glimpse into the innovative initiatives that have led CIE to become one of the nation's top entrepreneurial hubs. Discover our innovative programs and the impact we’ve made on both local and global scales. We invite you to explore how CIE continues to nurture creativity, drive economic development, and empower the next generation of visionary leaders.

CIE Marketing is led by interns and volunteers and this Annual Report is no different. This first ever formal Annual Report to commemorate our 10 Year Anniversary milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership, dedication, and expertise of CIE Mentor and volunteer Tracey Altman. Thanks, Tracey!

4. UNCW Student Scavenger Hunt 

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UNCW students! We invite you to join us for the exciting annual CIE X EBD Club Student Scavenger Hunt happening right now! Between August 26th - September 4th, students will go to several locations around campus to explore all the entrepreneurial resources UNCW has to offer. Wrapping up on September 4th, there will be an ending pizza party at the CIE starting at 5pm. There will be food and a raffle of prizes from local businesses including:

A huge thank you to all our sponsors who have made this exciting event possible for our students!

4. Mapping North Carolinas Blue Economy

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For the past two years, the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with All Blue, has been dedicated to mapping North Carolina's Blue Economy Assets. Our mission is to visually showcase the diverse range of Blue Economy Assets in the state, offering a valuable resource and database for entrepreneur support organizations and individuals passionate about the Blue Economy. All Blue CIE Intern Carolyn Greenway describes her experience in working on this project below!

"Being the All-Blue Intern at CIE has been an incredible experience. I have been studying oceanography at UNCW for three years now, but my time at CIE is what showed me a new perspective about the ocean. Throughout the data collection and map assembly process, I learned that the Blue Economy truly is a multifaceted ecosystem. Each sector has a delicate balance of reliance and support with another. The assets map acknowledges this interdependence and has the sectors in one place instead of being in isolation from each other. I am honored to be a part of a team that recognizes the importance of the Blue Economy and its connectivity in North Carolina. I have had the opportunity to work with and meet encouraging people and grow professionally. My time at CIE has expanded my viewpoints and I feel even more inspired to enact positive ocean change.” - Carolyn Greenway on her All Blue Internship at CIE. 

Read the full article here: Mapping North Carolina’s Blue Economy by Heather McWhorter | Sponsored Insights (wilmingtonbiz.com)

 

5. Seahawk Innovation Challenge

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The 2024 Seahawk Innovation Challenge is quickly approaching! This challenge aims to inspire inventive, cross-disciplinary concepts from UNCW's imaginative and entrepreneurial students.

UNCW Undergraduate students from any major or class standing can apply. They will submit their ideas beginning in September, where the top 15 will move on to the mentorship round. Students will be paired with a mentor through UNCW's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The mentors will give them guidance to help move their ideas forward based on design thinking, lean startup principles, and Ice House Principles. These ideas will move forward to a "trade show" style competition, where students, faculty, staff, and community members will vote on their favorite ideas on Tuesday October 22nd. The top three competitors will move on to a rapid-pitch competition, where the students will have six minutes to pitch their idea, and then answer questions posed by our judges on October 29th. The top three ideas will win a cash prize!

The application deadline is September 27th! For more information and to apply click the link below!

7. Welcome New Interns!

We are thrilled to welcome our new fall interns and to welcome back Katie! Their energy, creativity, and dedication are sure to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the CIE. We can't wait to see the incredible impact they will make this semester!

Jaylen Scales- Psychology

Bayley Duncan- Communication Studies

Kyla Keenan- Political Science

Tristan Caudle- Film Studies and Creative Writing 

Alex Romero- Master's in Film Studies

Kennedy Huntsman- Master's in Coastal and Ocean Policy 

8. Goodbye, Emily - Wishing You All the Best

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We want to express our immense gratitude to our marketing intern, Emily Isley, for her dedication and hard work throughout this spring/summer season. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas have truly made an impact on our marketing strategies. As she starts on the next chapter of her career and continues her journey at UNCW, we have no doubt that she will achieve great success. Thank you, Emily, for all that you have done for our team!

9. Tenant Spotlight: Sherri May

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For this month we want to highlight Sherri May as our tenant spotlight! Sherri May is part of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at UNCW as the Business Launch Specialist. As part of a 5 person team, Launch Specialists work with pre-venture entrepreneurs to provide free, confidential one-on-one counseling. She also facilitates Taking The Leap which is a tailored program to empower high-potential startups in North Carolina. Taking the Leap fosters self-empowerment, challenging individuals to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and build the skills necessary to take their startup from idea to launch.

Sherri says, "I love working with pre-venture clients. The creativity they bring, along with their enthusiasm for their ideas, inspires me to help them to succeed. I'm as excited as they are when they finally launch their business!"

SBTDC's Taking the Leap takes place at CIE on Thursday, September 12th, 19th, and 26th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

10. Office Space Available

Picture yourself here...

⬆️This could be you⬆️

CIE has offices available!

Why choose an office at CIE?

  • Dedication to Innovators’ Success: We’re more than just a space; we’re your partners in growth. Our mentoring programs, workshops, and networking events are tailored to propel your entrepreneurial success.
  • Quiet and Work-Friendly Offices: Silence is golden for productivity. Our offices are designed to minimize background noise, ensuring a serene environment for focused work.
  • 24/7 Access: Entrepreneurs thrive on flexibility. Our coworking space provides round-the-clock access, allowing you to work whenever inspiration strikes.
  • Free Conference Room Reservations: Need a professional setting for meetings? Our conference rooms are at your disposal, free of charge, for collaborative sessions and client presentations.
  • Free Parking: Forget the hassle of hunting for parking spots. Our convenient location offers free parking just steps away from your workspace. 

Interested in renting an office at CIE?

Clink the link below for more information,

or contact us at CIE@UNCW.EDU to schedule a tour!

11. Upcoming Events - Register Today!

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1 Million Cups Wilmington

Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM, entrepreneurs and the community gather to hear from one to two entrepreneurs and provide them with feedback or connections to help them with their business. If you are an entrepreneur and have been in business for less than 5 years, please visit the website and apply to present.

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Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday, September 4th | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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! 

Registration not required

Student Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, September 4th | 5:00pm

Kick off the fun anytime during the week of August 26th by grabbing a card at the CIE, or make your way to either the Entrepreneurship Club or CIE tables at the Involvement Carnival. Fill your card with a sticker from each location on the map for a chance to win prizes at the pizza party!

NEW's 910 Local Celebration Day

Tuesday September 10th | 4:00 - 6:00 PM

The Network of Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW) is hosting a new tradition and you are invited! It is a celebration of the constant growth of the startup ecosystem within Wilmington. Come and learn about the new opportunities coming to Wilmington entrepreneurs as well as have a chance to network and meet other attendees.

Come and celebrate Tuesday, September 10th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Ironclad Brewery, 115 North 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

SBTDC's Taking the Leap

September 12 - 26, 2024

Apply Now for the SBTDC’s Taking the Leap to Kickstart Your Business Venture!

These cohorts offer an opportunity for high-potential startups and founders to network with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable insights. With a focus on interactive learning, participants will receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors and guest mentors.

Join us on September 12, 19, and 26 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 
at the CIE!

Ocean Innovation Conference

Tuesday, September 17th | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | UNCW Burney Center

Join us for exploring technical and sustainability innovations in the Blue Economy. From climate change to overfishing to pollution, there are many problems to be addressed to protect our ocean. Don't miss out on securing your spot at our Ocean Innovation Conference! Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration offer now to guarantee your spot at this exclusive event.

Coastal Resilience Visioning Session

Wednesday, September 18th | 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

 

New this year! We are offering an optional second day of the Ocean Innovation Conference (at no additional cost!) for participants to delve into one topic related to the ocean. During conference registration, please indicate whether you plan to attend. Space is very limited and is expected close before the Ocean Innovation Conference registration. You can also opt to only attend this second day.

Participate to be able to learn about topics and then brainstorming issues and technology needs for our local community!

Ocean Exchange's Collegiate Call for Solutions

Deadline is September 24th at 11:59 PM GMT OR 7:59 PM EST

Deadlines are coming up soon for Ocean Exchange's 2024 Collegiate Awards! Tuesday, September 24th is the last day to apply, so do not miss this great opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate innovators. 

Learn more at Ocean Exchange's website!

Acme Smoked Fish Foundation’s Seafood Industry Climate Award

Applications open on September 25th!

The Seafood Industry Climate Awards (SICA) celebrate early-stage efforts to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. There will be 3 winners and will be given $70,000 per award. In addition, winners will be featured in media and industry events!

Learn more here: Seafood and Climate Initiatives - Acme Smoked Fish

Seahawk Innovation Challenge Applications due

Applications due on September 27th!

The Seahawk Innovation Challenge was started in 2023 as a way to encourage innovative, interdisciplinary ideas from UNCW’s creative and entrepreneurial students. UNCW Undergraduate students from any major or class standing can apply. They will submit their ideas by September 27th and the top three ideas will win a cash prize!

12. CIE in the News

CIE continues to be a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in Wilmington.

13. Parting Thought

“I love it here. It's an amazing resource, and the community should be proud of it. They're doing great things day in and day out for entrepreneurs and businesses coming to the community. It's one of my favorite places in Wilmington.”

-Wayne Hippo, Fractional with Chris Capone and Associates.