This post was contributed by Nikki Kroushl, CIE Social Media and Content Manager.

 When someone asks you about your New Year's resolutions, what do you tell them?
 
Do you pull out a piece of paper scrawled with dozens of wishful mantras? Do you brush them off and answer, "I don't do New Year's resolutions"? Do you tell them that making a lifestyle change can happen any time of year, and building into the January hype only undermines the real desire to make changes?
 
It's true—change can happen any time of year. But despite its chill, early January is full of the warmth of promise. There's a buzz in the air: suddenly your acquaintances, coworkers, and strangers in line at the grocery store all have one thing in common. They're hungry for change, positive growth, the building of something new.
 
Us, too. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is southeast NC's largest sponsor of events, training, and educational programs for the entrepreneurial community. It's full of opportunities for those looking for new ventures: start a business, attend business education seminars, host a workshop in an area of your expertise, or become a mentor, member or co-working tenant.
 

Become A Member

Individual CIE memberships start at $75 for the year, with discounted options for UNCW alumni and nonprofits. That membership will get you into any of the CIE's standard programs (normally $15 for nonmembers) and discounts on programs hosted by affiliates. We host more than 90 events per year, and attending just five of them will make up the money you spend on a membership.
 
Better yet, become a stakeholder member and invest in the future of southeastern N.C.'s small businesses while securing CIE memberships for 50+ employees.
 

Become A Tenant

If the new year calls you to start a new business venture, consider taking advantage of our state-of-the-art incubator space. Open 24/7 to tenants, this space includes high-speed wi-fi, access to computers with the Adobe Creative Suite, our Open Device Lab, free/discounted entry into CIE programs and discounted event space rentals.
 

Become A Mentor

Maybe your idea of a new beginning is helping someone else turn over a new leaf. Our mentors connect with and advise new entrepreneurs in a variety of subjects, from pitching to software engineering to marketing to attracting venture capital to legal affairs. Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to volunteer your time and talent.
 
The dozens of entrepreneurs that come through the CIE's doors this year have their own New Year's resolutions. But what makes them—and us—different from the next person?
 
When asked about resolutions and new beginnings, an entrepreneur will simply smile, put their head down, and let the work speak for itself.
 
More information about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved with the CIE is available on our website at www.uncw.edu/cie. You can email us at [email protected] to join our mailing list for news and updates, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Diane Durance, MPA, is director of UNC Wilmington's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). The CIE is a resource for the start-up and early-stage business community to help diversify the local economy with innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.uncw.edu/cie.