🌍 Global Entrepreneurship Week Wilmington | November 17–21, 2025
Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration, and the Power of Possibility

UNCW CIE and Wilmington partners are proud to host Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Wilmington 2025, a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship in the Cape Fear region and beyond. Taking place November 17–21, GEW spans over 200 countries, engaging more than 10 million people through 40,000+ activities worldwide. This year’s theme, “Together We Build,” highlights the collective strength of mentors, peers, and partners, and reminding us that entrepreneurship is not a solo journey, but a shared adventure.

Throughout the week Wilmington Small Business Coalition members such as UNCW CIE, Genesis Block, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center, and NEW will host a variety of events. Check out the calendar of events here!

📣 Get Involved

Whether you're a student, aspiring founder, or seasoned entrepreneur, GEW Wilmington is your chance to connect, learn, and grow. Share your experience using #GEW2025 and #TogetherWeBuild and help spread the spirit of entrepreneurship.

🔬 Meet the New HealthTech & Biotech Cohort at CIE

CIE is proud to welcome its inaugural HealthTech & Biotech Idea Test Lab cohort, a dynamic group of early-stage entrepreneurs working at the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare. The HealthTech & Biotech cohort is made up of 11 founders, including three UNCW faculty members, one UNCW grad student, a UNC Pembroke faculty member, and members of the community focused on high-impact innovations such as digital health solutions, biomanufacturing, and healthcare access.

This 5-week cohort-based program is designed to help founders validate their ideas, refine their value propositions, and explore market potential using the Wendy Kennedy Methodology (WKI). The program culminates in a Demo Day, where participants pitch their ventures to a supportive audience of peers, mentors, and community members.

You are invited to Idea Test Lab Demo Day at UNCW CIE where these companies showcase their idea, and watch as the judges award select founders up to $5K thanks to an NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant! Demo Day is a free event and will take place on November 19 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at UNCW CIE. Register at the link below.

Nov 4 | All Blue monthly meeting*

Nov 5 | Welcome Wednesday

Nov 5 | Agentic AI 101 seminar by Dr. Karl Ricanek

Nov 11 11:00-1:00 | CIE Office Hours at Discovery Hall

Nov 11 | Founders’ Roundtable*

GEW Pre-events

Nov 11 | Poyner Spruill Business Law Series (CIE-sponsored program)

Nov 13 10 am - noon | It’s about the Story by Chris Mather webinar + CIE Event Space - https://share.hsforms.com/1Qb8_WFWZTHGGkF6xNFrUrwe2blu

Fri, Nov 14 noon | National Academy of Inventors* (RIST/OIC)

Nov 17-21 GEW Wilmington - https://www.genglobal.org/gew

Nov 17-18 | NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, RTP - https://ncidea.org/summit/

Monday, Nov 17 | Cybersecurity 101 for Small Businesses (online) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450170

Tues, Nov 18 | Entrepreneur Day

Tuesday, Nov 18 | Advanced Quickbooks for the Small Biz Owner (online) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450151

Tuesday, Nov 18 | Live Demo: AI-Inspired Marketing IN ACTION with Constant Contact (Online) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450153

Tuesday, Nov 18 | Welcome to Entrepreneurship (in-person) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450180

Wednesday, Nov 19 9-10 a.m. | 1MC at UNCW CIE

Wednesday, Nov 19 1-4 p.m. | HealthTech/BioTech Idea Test Lab DEMO DAY!

Wednesday, Nov 19 | Real Estate Basics for Business Owners (online) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450152

Thurs, Nov 20 | Non-Profit Series: Deep Dive into NPO Administration (online) | CFCC SBC - https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=80450142

Thurs, Nov 20 | The Recipe of the RAISE | NEW event | Ironclad Brewery

Thurs, Nov 20 | Jumpstart Academy Demo Day | Genesis Block Foundation - https://genesisblock.zohobackstage.com/FALL2025JUMPSTARTDEMODAY

Friday, Nov 21 10 a.m.-noon | Show me the Funding webinar + CIE Event Space by Chris Mather

R-F, Nov 28-29 – UNCW/CIE closed

Dec 3 | Welcome Wednesday

Dec 3 | Deep Dive into Agentic AI 201 seminar by Dr. Karl Ricanek

Dec 9 | Idea Test Lab Alumni Founders Roundtable*

Dec 9 | NC TECH Awards, Raleigh Convention Center

Dec 12 | CIE Mentor meeting*

Dec 16 | Founders’ Roundtable*

Dec 16-18 | UNCW Cyberboat Challenge, CMS - https://uncw.edu/research/major-programs/cyber-defense/research (students, faculty, govt, maritime)

Dec 24-Jan 1 | UNCW/CIE closed/winter break

*By invitation. Please ask CIE if you would like additional information about this program.

Intro into Agentic AI 101

Join Dr. Karl Ricanek for an accessible introduction to Agentic AI, systems that can act autonomously to achieve goals. This session unpacks what makes AI “agentic,” how it differs from traditional models, and why it matters to you. We’ll explore real-world applications, potential societal impacts, and key questions around safety and control.

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 5th
🕘 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Location: UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

💵 Cost: Free, Register here

November's Welcome Wednesday

The UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) invites you to Welcome Wednesday, a recurring open house designed to connect innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and community members in a casual, collaborative environment. Welcome Wednesday offers:

• A guided tour of the CIE facility and coworking spaces
• An introduction to CIE programs, resources, and mentorship opportunities
• A chance to network with local entrepreneurs, faculty, and students
• Insight into how CIE supports innovation and economic development in the region

No registration required, just stop by and say hello!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 5th
🕘 Time: All Day
📍 Location: UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
☕ Coffee and light refreshments provided

“It’s About the Story!” Workshop with Chris Mather

As a prelude to Global Entrepreneurship Week, join us for a dynamic workshop led by Chris Mather, founder and President of Leveragent. Learn how to craft compelling investment pitches, tell your story effectively, and present with confidence to investors, customers, and partners.
📅 Date: Thursday, November 13th
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Online or watch in person at UNCW CIE
💵 Cost: Free (registration required)