NC IDEA

Early-bird registration deadline for the #2024EcosystemSummit is almost here! Join us for an inspiring event as we celebrate #entrepreneurship and explore the theme of 'Investing in Ourselves.' Since our inaugural Summit, NC IDEA has continued to foster partnerships and unique connections that continue to make a meaningful difference for #NorthCarolina’s entrepreneurial community. Join hundreds of accomplished peers who are working together to build the nation's best entrepreneurial ecosystem. Invest in yourself TODAY and take advantage of this limited early bird pricing: https://ncidea.org/summit/ ??? : Nov. 19-20 See you in the #QueenCity! ?? #NCIDEA #2024EcosystemSummit #QueenCity #CharlotteNC

NC IDEA #ENGAGE is thrilled to support our good friends and #ECOSYSTEM partner First Flight Venture Center for their 2024 High Flyer Awards Luncheon. The High Flyer Awards Luncheon will celebrate and honor the companies and individuals who have contributed to High Science, High Impact, and our entrepreneurial ecosystem as a whole. This event will deliver world-class networking and provide an opportunity to join First Flight Venture Center in celebrating those who are shaping our future! Learn more and Register: https://bit.ly/3BzVPX3 #NCIDEA #ENGAGE #ECOSYSTEM #NCecosystem

This ?? is caring, thoughtful recovery efforts ... and #Ecosysteming. ?? WNC

Thanks to the entire NC IDEA Team for helping to ensure North Carolina was an Equity Innovation Leader. North Carolina was ranked 6th in Black & Hispanic Entrepreneurship & 16th in Venture-Backed Women Entrepreneurship. There is more to be done, and we need better ecosystems for innovation to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eMVdBzdp #InclusiveInnovation #EcosystemDevelopment #Entrepreneurship

We are thrilled to announce the release of the Revitalizing Innovation: Models for Equitable Entrepreneurship Across the U.S.?from the?Venture Equity Project (VEP), a multi-year initiative and coalition of nonprofit and academic institutions, supported by?JPMorganChase?and?Nasdaq?with research contributions from our team,?Penn State University's Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative?and?Heartland Forward.? ? Nicola Corzine, CEO & Executive Director of Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, stated: "No state in the US has achieved true equity for entrepreneurs, but our latest research provides important place-based insights mapping how various regions are making strides towards entrepreneurial equity." ? This year's findings highlight the vital role of geography in advancing entrepreneurial equity, with a focus on the unique opportunities and challenges faced by Black, Hispanic, and Women founders across the United States.? ? Key Findings: ?? Top 5 States Advancing Equity for Black Entrepreneurs: Oregon, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, Maryland ?? Top 5 States Advancing Equity for Hispanic Entrepreneurs: Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, South Carolina, Kentucky ?? Top 5 States Advancing Equity for Female Entrepreneurs: Washington D.C., Colorado, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming ? We also identified?7 Equity Innovation Leaders: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas—states committed to building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and driving systemic change. ? Read the full report and register for upcoming virtual events to engage in the conversation about how U.S. regions are paving the way for a more inclusive future in entrepreneurship here: https://lnkd.in/gS9bDQfj Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/gwRanAZU

Congrats to the latest MINDSET/Ice House grads out of the Hurt Hub! Looking forward to talking more about all you've got going at Davidson, Amy Gascon! Thanks always to Joanie Weber and the ELI team. (Gary and Thom, not sure if there's any cake left...)

“Nine years ago, 90% of our grant funding went to white males in major metro areas. Now, approximately 70% of our funding goes to women, minority, and rural-based entrepreneurs. We didn’t achieve this result by excluding any demographic. We did it by making specific investments around the state to help improve capacity building in ways that would level the playing field.” - Thom Ruhe, President & CEO of NC IDEA Foundation At the recent Mastercard Strive USA Summit in #RaleighNC, key leaders—including our president and CEO, Thom Ruhe—came together to discuss creating a more equitable business landscape in #NorthCarolina and across the nation. These critical discussions are positioning our state as the top destination to start and grow a business. Event Recap: https://bit.ly/3MWz3ev #NCIDEA #RaleighNC Mastercard Strive

Starting the day at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square celebrating the release of our new report, Revitalizing Innovation: Models for Equitable Entrepreneurship Across the U.S., from Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center's Venture Equity Project. This report highlights the trailblazing leaders who are pushing the boundaries of equity in entrepreneurship across the nation. While we acknowledge there's still work ahead, we also recognize the tremendous progress being made by states that are leading the charge. We're honored to learn from Equity Innovation Leaders including; Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (Georgia) Ion Houston (Texas) Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Illinois) NC IDEA (North Carolina) Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (Florida) Invest Detroit (Michigan) TEDCO (Maryland) A heartfelt thank you to our research partners at Penn State University and Heartland Forward for their invaluable contributions. Special recognition goes to Jessica Straus Fuchs at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for her exceptional insights as our lead researcher. Starting at 3pm EST today, download the report at https://lnkd.in/eiY-_pG3

The very first copies of my new book have finally arrived! https://lnkd.in/g88yFBKY

#Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey … but it doesn’t have to be. Our good friends at LaunchCLT are now accepting applications for their FINAL cohort of 2024! This is the last chance to join the LaunchCLT Mentor Program this year. If you’re a Charlotte-based founder looking for experienced guidance to grow your startup, now’s the time to apply! Become a Stronger Entrepreneur. Apply: https://lnkd.in/e3XiyjrR #NCIDEA #CharlotteNC #CLT #mentorship