Follow Chuck Linkedin Twitter
Email Chuck Email
Business Growth
Jul 1, 2015

CIE Is Building On Success, Planning For The Future

Sponsored Content provided by Chuck Whitlock - Interim Executive Director, UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

As the new interim executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), I am pleased and excited about being given this great opportunity to help the Greater Wilmington business community. I look forward to continuing the programs and events that have been so well received by our local business community. I plan to launch several new programs that will enable us to build on the fine programs already in place. I will gauge my success by how many entrepreneurs I help succeed.

Taking an entrepreneurial opportunity from ideation to a successful new employer in Wilmington is very exciting. Our programs are designed to help students and local entrepreneurs take a good idea and have it vetted by business and faculty experts. We then will assist with office space and retail space, if required, and help with the launch of these new businesses.

A new business venture is a daunting proposition for most people. The CIE makes the process a great deal easier. We assist both new and established entrepreneurs as they evaluate their options and, in some cases, we make UNCW resources available when appropriate. We already have several exciting accomplishments to talk about.

One of our tenants, mimijumi, makes what’s arguably the world’s best breast-feeding bottle and won the 2015 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year award. Another CIE tenant has launched a non-profit corporation named Port42 to help children compete in national robotic contests. A UNCW senior with a minor in entrepreneurship is launching an exercise bicycle business named Renewal Recreation that generates electricity for the gym or home as the user exercises. How many startups can promote healthy exercise, a carbon footprint decrease, and lowered electricity bills as benefits? Although there are too many incubator businesses at CIE to mention in this article, you will be hearing about many of our other tenants as we mentor them.

Whether you’re a student with a new idea or an experienced business owner with a great idea, the resources available at CIE may help you. To stay abreast of CIE events, please visit www.uncw.edu/cie. You can reach me at [email protected].

Chuck Whitlock is the interim executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship  at UNC Wilmington. CIE is an accelerator for the startup community to help diversify the local economy with innovative companies that will pay higher wages. For more information, go to www.uncw.edu/cie.

Uncw cie taglogo2 300x250 61815104925
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign13 162533932

Thinking of Selling Your Business Yourself? Here’s What You Should Know

Tully Ryan - Murphy Business Sales
Untitleddesign12 101424112736

So You’re Feeling Like a Fraud... Let’s Talk

McAuley Hollis - APPROVE
Chris coudriet

911 Telecommunicators Remain the Vital Link in Keeping Our Community Safe

Chris Coudriet - New Hanover County Government

Trending News

Sheetz Opening Carolina Beach Road Location Next Week

Staff Reports - Apr 23, 2025

In Uncertain Economic Times, Live Oak Sees Continued Growth But Higher Expenses

Jenny Callison - Apr 24, 2025

In The Current Issue

Longtime Beach Hotel Evolves

The resort is responding to demand. Tourism is the main industry in Wrightsville Beach, and revenues from the town’s room occupancy tax have...


Costs Build To Build A Home

Just for residential construction, the U.S. spends $11.2 billion on imports, a national economist told the audience of real estate industry...


District Attorney Lays Down The Law

Since being elected, he said, he has been working to address three main priorities: domestic violence and homicide; the drug epidemic spanni...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season