October CIE Connection

UNCW's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) was honored to host the inaugural Ocean Innovation Conference, which brought together hundreds of passionate individuals and experts from diverse backgrounds. The event featured inspiring keynote speakers who shared their insights on the cutting-edge developments in ocean innovation. Engaging in panel discussions facilitated insightful conversations on pressing challenges and opportunities. Additionally, attendees had the chance to explore groundbreaking ideas and technologies at the innovation fair, showcasing the potential for sustainable and impactful solutions in our oceans. This conference served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and fostering innovation to address the critical issues facing our oceans and coastal communities.

In celebration of innovation, growth, and community, UNCW's CIE marked its remarkable 10-year milestone with an unforgettable event. We gathered to commemorate a decade of fostering entrepreneurial excellence and advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast North Carolina. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was filled with inspiring remarks from distinguished guests, including Wilmington Mayor Saffo, Chancellor Volety, Dean Ron Vetter, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie English, and NC IDEA President Thom Ruhe. As we looked back on a decade of achievements, the CIE Media team also unveiled a captivating 10-year anniversary highlight film. The event brought together entrepreneurs, academia, and our vibrant community to celebrate this unique, university-based contribution to the Wilmington entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this celebration of a decade of excellence!

The UNCW CIE recently hosted an exhilarating Student Entrepreneurship Scavenger Hunt in partnership with the UNCW Entrepreneurship Club and the Cameron School of Business. UNCW students had the opportunity to discover the full spectrum of entrepreneurial resources available at the university, and they had a chance to participate in a competition to win a gift basket from local businesses. The scavenger hunt also provided students with the opportunity to network with fellow participants and interact with seasoned local entrepreneurs.

Sponsors:

Apple Annie's Bake Shop - Cookies and gift card!
EBD Professor Jay Schach - Gift cards to the UNCW Book Store!
Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Gift card!
Mess Hall - T-shirt!
Mimi and Papa's Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream - Popcorn and Gift card!
Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington - Gift cards to Tropical Smoothie!
PS Solutions - Gift cards to Jungle Rapids!
Tama Tea - Tea, T-shirt, and stickers!
The Wall Printer - Personalized printed canvas!
UNCW Cameron School of Business - Swag!
UNCW Book Store - Swag!

Thank you to Hailey Irving and Trenton Shady for their work over the summer, as well as Instructor Jamie Stalfort as the Cameron liaison!

We're incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and made 'The Business of Innovation' event a resounding success! This was hosted by the SBTDC and co-sponsored by the CIE. It was a day filled with inspiration, insights, and the kind of energy that fuels innovation. We witnessed passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new collaborations. It's these connections that often lead to groundbreaking innovations, and we couldn't be happier to have facilitated them.

A special thanks to our guest speakers, panelists, and workshop leaders for generously sharing their knowledge and expertise. Your contributions were invaluable and left a lasting impact on everyone present. To all our attendees, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just embarking on your innovation journey, thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Your enthusiasm and engagement made the event a truly memorable experience.

A fond farewell to CIE Program Manager Cheryl Young! From coordinating the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, to Welcome Wednesdays, to the Ocean Innovation Conference, she provided an incredible impact to our entrepreneurial community with a smile. We will miss her! She joined the UNCW Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) as a General Business Counselor on September 22.

Our search committee is searching for our next Program Manager. If you want to support entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem through impactful programs - and want to work with a great team and for a wonderful university, apply in the UNCW job portal by October 2.

This month's volunteer spotlight is Jack Fleming! Jack is the lead organizer of 1 Million Cups Wilmington, which is a weekly meetup for entrepreneurs, mentors, and the community that happens at CIE and online. At the weekly program (1 Million Cups), one or two entrepreneurs talk about what they are working on and the participants provide suggestions and connections that could help them (while drinking a million cups of coffee). We are grateful for all of the 1 Million Cups organizers, and Jack goes above and beyond each week by checking in on the presenters and leading the discussion. Jack is a UNCW Alum (2019) in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. Thanks, Jack!

Since its debut in 1983, every U.S. President has proudly declared a nationwide Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week celebration, spotlighting the groundbreaking achievements of minority businesses. These businesses, with their innovation and resilience, have etched a mark in the annals of American entrepreneurship. And it doesn't stop there! The giants of the corporate world and key financial institutions that have championed minority business growth also bask in the limelight.

Dive into Cape Fear's MED Week, a whirlwind of dynamic educational 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.

Starting on 10/18, The CIE will be hosting SBTDC's ChatGPT and AI workshop. It is open to anybody who is interested in learning more about AI and the resources it can offer your business! The workshop will be broken up into 4 sessions each highlighting different aspects of what it has to offer. The schedule is as follows:

Module 1: Oct 18 at 11am, Intro to AI for Small Businesses (ChatGPT searches)

Module 2: Oct 25 at 11am, Digital Marketing Using AI for Small Businesses

Module 3: Oct 31 at 11 am, Create Spreadsheets Using AI for Small Businesses

Module 4: Nov 8th at 11 am, How to Train AI for Your Small Business

The link to register and learn more can be found here!

The goal of Startup EQ is to prepare entrepreneurs to recognize and restore their energy, develop the ability to have healthy conversations, create sustainable cultures, and create startups that last. This program is about helping founders to lead themselves, lead their business, and lead others.

Startup EQ is a program of Go-od Consulting that was initially piloted in April 2022 with funding from NC IDEA and in partnership with Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW) and the Thomas Hub at UNC Pembroke.

It is anticipated that this program will be run again in starting in October 2023 with funding from the City of Wilmington in partnership with Channel powered by Live Oak Bank.