2010 was quite a year for the Entrepreneurship Center in terms of accomplishments, growth, results, and memories. When I sat down over the holidays to compile the data it was amazing to link the EC to the creation of 46 jobs, the establishment of eight mentor relationships, helping startup companies secure $4.2 million in equity financing, helping to recruit three startups to the region, playing a leading role in the launch of two new startup companies, launching a regional small business database, hosting Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, and establishing twelve student internships. The EC accomplished this by hosting 23 events with total attendance of almost 3,000 people (of which 1,000 were students), collaborating with partners such as the SBTDC, the CFCC Small Business Center, and being a part of Cape Fear Future. We also expanded our entrepreneurial media and content through our uncwec.org website that receives 5,000 hits per month and houses over fifty EC videos. But one year does not make a Center nor complete our mission to support our existing small business community, help entrepreneurial companies grow, launch new businesses, recruit startups and entrepreneurs to the region, and promote Southeast NC as a hub for entrepreneurial activity. With that in mind it's time to set the bar even higher in 2011 and deliver even greater results. Bring it on!!
Sincerely, Jonathan Rowe |
Celebrate Spring with Entrepreneurship Center Events
|  As Spring Fever kicks in or as we prefer to call it "Entrepreneurial Fever," the EC has a fantastic line-up of spring events. These events are an incredible opportunity to become connected and involved with the entrepreneurial community, develop relationships, be informed and entertained, and further your business growth. In addition to the events listed below please bookmark the EC events calendar as new events are added including a world renowned business speaker and entrepreneurial family night.
March 31st @5:30pm - Going Global Event: The EC is proud to partner with the NC World Trade Association and NC Department of Commerce for this event to help small businesses and entrepreneurs expand their sales, marketing, and growth opportunities overseas. Over ten booths will be set up where you can meet with international lawyers, accountants, port representatives, bankers, etc. to confidentially discuss your international business opportunities.
April 20th @5:30pm - Rocket Pitch Event: Without question the Rocket Pitch has become the most exciting and popular EC event. It features five of the region's fastest growing and most innovative companies delivering 8-minute "pitches" on their business model, products, and growth strategy. Be prepared to be energized and inspired at this event.
May 20th @7:30am - Coastal Entrepreneur Awards, the 2011 CEA is one of the biggest events of the year and features the Entrepreneur of the Year award winner as selected by the esteemed panel of judges as well as the ten category winners in such areas as BioTech, Film, and Healthcare.
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The State of Entrepreneurship
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With a packed audience, and following a passionate introduction by Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover County Commissioners Jason Thompson, Director of the EC Jonathan Rowe delivered the first annual "State of Entrepreneurship" address for Southeast NC. The fifteen minute presentation covered research, accomplishments, and opportunities and was concluded by Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. Video of the presentation can be accessed online.
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Steve Harper Launches Latest Book
|  Steve Harper's latest book, The Ever-Evolving Enterprise: Guidelines for Creating Your Company's Future has just been published and includes a Foreword by Brett Martin, Founder of Castle Branch. The book focuses on the need for firms to have more of a strategic orientation and to be more entrepreneurial. Steve has written six books and dozens of articles that have appeared in national and international magazines. He was on the faculty at Arizona State University before coming to UNCW. He has also been a Visiting Professor in Duke's Executive MBA program. He is currently completing a book on managing emerging ventures. |
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| Entrepreneurial Statistic: According to the North Carolina World Trade Association U.S. companies with less than 500 employees exported $182 billion worth of goods and services in 2009. That was almost 1/3 of all U.S. exports in 2009 and has grown by an average of 10% each year since 1994. |
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Member Profile
McGladrey
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As one of the premier tax accounting and tax consulting companies in the country, McGladrey is a company member and supporter of the EC. Led by Wilmington Managing Director, Rickey Godwin, McGladrey was one of the first companies to join the EC and has been a part of the success of supporting entrepreneurship by providing accountants and tax consultants at EC events and through mentorship. McGladrey representatives have also worked with UNCW students on business plans and career preparation.
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Envision Begins Recording its Second Season and Looks to Expand
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Envision, the TV show launched in August 2010 recently completed its fifteenth episode featuring Mike Duncan, Founder and CEO of Sage Island. The show features interviews with successful entrepreneurs such as Brett Martin (pictured above) and Becky Parker O'Daniell (pictured below) to better understand what drives them, lessons they've learned in their business career, and thoughts on starting and growing companies in the Cape Fear Region. Envision founder and host, Jonathan Rowe, explores these topics in the 30 minute show which airs on Monday and Thursdays at 7pm on Time Warner Cable Channel 5 and also online in the EC Video Library. Envision is currently working to expand its cable broadcast throughout North Carolina. 
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