The UNCW Entrepreneurship Center is hosting an Entrepreneurial Speed Dating event on August 26th at 5:30pm where attendees will have an opportunity to talk with leading experts on the following key topics related to individual entrepreneurs and business: legal, accounting, commercial insurance, equity investing, successful entrepreneurs, and commercial bank lending. Attendees will be able to speak with the above individuals in 5-10 minute "speed dating" intervals. Each booth will have a sign-up sheet for the "speed date" on an ordered first come first serve basis.
This creative idea is a great networking opportunity for students, business owners, upcoming entrepreneurs, and all other interested parties. Events are regularly held by the Entrepreneurship Center and are vital when trying to educate, train, and connect the young entrepreneurs of our community.
The events and networking socials at the Center showcase upcoming entrepreneurs and regional businesses, serving as a catalyst in training and attracting knowledge sector workers and businesses. Jonathan Rowe, the Director of the UNCW Entrepreneur Center, is also an active team leader for the Entrepreneurship task force under Cape Fear Future. Cape Fear Future is thrilled to have the support and cooperation from Rowe and his colleagues as their efforts give momentum to the CFF Entrepreneurial Team, and benefit the business community as a whole.
For more information on the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center or the Entrepreneurial Speed Dating Event, please contact Jonathan Rowe at rowej@uncw.edu
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wilmington Looks to Expand International Ties
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo signed a Letter of Understanding with Samarra, Iraq Mayor Mahmood Khalaf Al Bomahdi, with the intent to establish a Sister City relationship between the two cities. The arrangement, signed on August 5th, will help open doors for cultural and educational exchanges and will encourage economic and commercial activity between the cities.
Samarra, like Wilmington, is a riverfront city that also has significant tourism, mainly due to holy sites in the area. Mayor Mahmood visited Wilmington in March of 2010, and met with local business and education leaders over lunch at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss ideas for riverfront and economic development.
If approved by the councils of both cities, Samarra will become Wilmington's fifth Sister City since the program was established in the 1980s. Twinnings have also been established with Dandong, China; Doncaster, England; Bridgetown, Barbados; and San Pedro, Belize. Having international ties is looked upon favorably by knowledge sector workers. Expanding Wilmington's international ties could also be a source for attracting skilled workers to the region in the future.
Samarra, like Wilmington, is a riverfront city that also has significant tourism, mainly due to holy sites in the area. Mayor Mahmood visited Wilmington in March of 2010, and met with local business and education leaders over lunch at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss ideas for riverfront and economic development.
If approved by the councils of both cities, Samarra will become Wilmington's fifth Sister City since the program was established in the 1980s. Twinnings have also been established with Dandong, China; Doncaster, England; Bridgetown, Barbados; and San Pedro, Belize. Having international ties is looked upon favorably by knowledge sector workers. Expanding Wilmington's international ties could also be a source for attracting skilled workers to the region in the future.
Schools Earn Good Marks
Education is one of the three priority areas for Cape Fear Future. A recent report shows New Hanover County Schools are doing well, but there is still considerable room for improvement.
Almost all area schools met expected academic growth goals, and no local schools were classified as low performing, according to a statewide report on education released Thursday, August 5, 2010.
The ABCs of Public Education report is based on results of end-of-grade and end-of-course tests taken in grades 3 through 12. The report also includes information about Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, the federal measure of school progress required by No Child Left Behind and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
In New Hanover County, 37 of 41 schools met expected academic growth, according to the report, while 27 schools recorded high academic growth. The report put 20 schools into the top three tiers of performance – Honor Schools of Excellence, Schools of Excellence and Schools of Distinction – and 29 schools met AYP.
Read the full article at StarNews Online
Almost all area schools met expected academic growth goals, and no local schools were classified as low performing, according to a statewide report on education released Thursday, August 5, 2010.
The ABCs of Public Education report is based on results of end-of-grade and end-of-course tests taken in grades 3 through 12. The report also includes information about Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, the federal measure of school progress required by No Child Left Behind and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
In New Hanover County, 37 of 41 schools met expected academic growth, according to the report, while 27 schools recorded high academic growth. The report put 20 schools into the top three tiers of performance – Honor Schools of Excellence, Schools of Excellence and Schools of Distinction – and 29 schools met AYP.
Read the full article at StarNews Online
Friday, June 11, 2010
Article Highlights CFF Education Task Force Work
The Wilmington StarNews ran an article on June 4 noting some of the focus areas and challenges faced by the Cape Fear Future Education Task Force. Click here to read the article
Friday, May 28, 2010
One of the Best for Recreation
Anyone who lives in Wilmington knows that opportunities for recreation abound. This is especially true for water-related activities that can use the Atlantic ocean, Cape Fear River, lakes and creeks as a backdrop. But recreation certainly isn't limited to water...with ever expanding bike paths, the new Cross City Trail under construction, very popular tennis, soccer, and softball leagues, more than 50 area golf courses, a skate park, and much more.
RelocateAmerica.com recently recognized the area's recreation opportunities by ranking Wilmington No. 9 on its "Top 10 Recreation Cities" list. And all that recreation is working: Wilmington is also one of only 7 NC cities that has been given the designation of "Fit Community". Learn more about the designation...
RelocateAmerica.com recently recognized the area's recreation opportunities by ranking Wilmington No. 9 on its "Top 10 Recreation Cities" list. And all that recreation is working: Wilmington is also one of only 7 NC cities that has been given the designation of "Fit Community". Learn more about the designation...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Student get opportunity to Enov8t
Local high school students can get innovative with a new University of North Carolina Wilmington camp focused on entrepreneurship June 21-25, 2010.
Participants of the camp, named Enov8t (innovate), will learn about building a business from concept to completion, including identifying and evaluating business ideas, writing a business plan, understanding basic financial management, marketing and selling. Instruction will teach teens how to build a successful team and how to be a strong leader. The week of innovation will culminate with a “rocket pitch” event where campers will present their business plan to local business leaders.
Registration is still open for the unique Enov8t camp, which will be held 8:45 a.m. -4 p.m. June 21-25 in the state-of-the-art UNC Wilmington Computer Information Systems Building. The camp is open to rising 10th through 12th grade students. For cost and registration information, visit www.uncw.edu/enov8t.
Jonathan Rowe, director of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center, and Fran Scarlett, regional director of the UNCW Small Business & Technology Development Center, will lead campers. Guest speakers and UNCW student leaders will educate and encourage campers with discussions, mentoring and hands-on activities.
Participants of the camp, named Enov8t (innovate), will learn about building a business from concept to completion, including identifying and evaluating business ideas, writing a business plan, understanding basic financial management, marketing and selling. Instruction will teach teens how to build a successful team and how to be a strong leader. The week of innovation will culminate with a “rocket pitch” event where campers will present their business plan to local business leaders.
Registration is still open for the unique Enov8t camp, which will be held 8:45 a.m. -4 p.m. June 21-25 in the state-of-the-art UNC Wilmington Computer Information Systems Building. The camp is open to rising 10th through 12th grade students. For cost and registration information, visit www.uncw.edu/enov8t.
Jonathan Rowe, director of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center, and Fran Scarlett, regional director of the UNCW Small Business & Technology Development Center, will lead campers. Guest speakers and UNCW student leaders will educate and encourage campers with discussions, mentoring and hands-on activities.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cape Fear Future Commission Formed
Cape Fear Future will receive greater input and support from influential business and government leaders who will serve on the newly formed Cape Fear Future Commission. The role of the 47-member Commission will be to communicate and provide input on Cape Fear Future initiatives, identify and propel important initiatives forward, and help leverage existing efforts and organizations. The Commission includes representatives from New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick County. The goal of Cape Fear Future is to attract and retain knowledge workers and further develop the area’s skilled workforce.
The Commission held its kickoff meeting Tuesday, April 20, where Commission members received an update on the work of the three CFF Task Forces that are focusing on area Quality of Life, Entrepreneurship and Education. Commission members also heard from guest speaker Fred Eshelman (Executive Chairman, PPD, Inc.).
Each of the three focus areas is instrumental in creating an environment that will attract and retain knowledge workers in order to promote sustained economic growth and greater prosperity for the region. Many additional areas of focus have been defined through community input and the work of the consulting group Catalytix, which will be addressed as the process moves forward.
The Quality of Life Task Force, led by Chris Boney (LS3P Associates Ltd.), is developing policies and projects aimed at improving the special characteristics of Wilmington’s unique quality of place in order to attract and retain knowledge workers and businesses. Focus areas include: establishing a consolidated regional effort to enhance and maximize tourism efforts; re-energizing the arts community, and promoting and improving a vibrant downtown.
The Entrepreneurship Action Team, led by Jonathan Rowe (UNCW Entrepreneurship Center), is a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, entrepreneurs, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, jobs, and innovation. CFF will work in partnership with the established UNCW Entrepreneurship Center and others in this effort.
The Education Task Force, led by John Gizdic (NHRMC), will seek to increase involvement and representation of business leaders on educational decision-making committees; establish an assessment of workforce readiness of local students by area businesses; provide advocacy for high quality K-12 education for all students (grass-roots and school board efforts); and enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education programs and offerings.
“By working toward these enhancements to the region, Cape Fear Future will help ensure that businesses in the region have skilled workers as the Baby Boomers retire and the younger demographic shrinks, and that the area will be a magnet for knowledge-based businesses,” said Chamber President & CEO Connie Majure-Rhett. “The establishment of the Commission is a key part of Cape Fear Future and we are pleased that so many important leaders have stepped forward to serve.”
The Cape Fear Future Commission Kickoff meeting will be available for viewing on the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (www.wilmingtonchamber.org) and City of Wilmington websites (www.ci.wilmington.nc.us.) beginning April 22.
The Commission held its kickoff meeting Tuesday, April 20, where Commission members received an update on the work of the three CFF Task Forces that are focusing on area Quality of Life, Entrepreneurship and Education. Commission members also heard from guest speaker Fred Eshelman (Executive Chairman, PPD, Inc.).
Each of the three focus areas is instrumental in creating an environment that will attract and retain knowledge workers in order to promote sustained economic growth and greater prosperity for the region. Many additional areas of focus have been defined through community input and the work of the consulting group Catalytix, which will be addressed as the process moves forward.
The Quality of Life Task Force, led by Chris Boney (LS3P Associates Ltd.), is developing policies and projects aimed at improving the special characteristics of Wilmington’s unique quality of place in order to attract and retain knowledge workers and businesses. Focus areas include: establishing a consolidated regional effort to enhance and maximize tourism efforts; re-energizing the arts community, and promoting and improving a vibrant downtown.
The Entrepreneurship Action Team, led by Jonathan Rowe (UNCW Entrepreneurship Center), is a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, entrepreneurs, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, jobs, and innovation. CFF will work in partnership with the established UNCW Entrepreneurship Center and others in this effort.
The Education Task Force, led by John Gizdic (NHRMC), will seek to increase involvement and representation of business leaders on educational decision-making committees; establish an assessment of workforce readiness of local students by area businesses; provide advocacy for high quality K-12 education for all students (grass-roots and school board efforts); and enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education programs and offerings.
“By working toward these enhancements to the region, Cape Fear Future will help ensure that businesses in the region have skilled workers as the Baby Boomers retire and the younger demographic shrinks, and that the area will be a magnet for knowledge-based businesses,” said Chamber President & CEO Connie Majure-Rhett. “The establishment of the Commission is a key part of Cape Fear Future and we are pleased that so many important leaders have stepped forward to serve.”
The Cape Fear Future Commission Kickoff meeting will be available for viewing on the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (www.wilmingtonchamber.org) and City of Wilmington websites (www.ci.wilmington.nc.us.) beginning April 22.
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