NC IDEA

Thank you Thom Ruhe, Ben Redding, Amy Bastian, Leigh Blancato, Andrea Cook, Carlo Diy, Sarah Mixter, Cristhian Rodriguez, Barry Ryan and Allan Younger for a great NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit and all that you do to advance entrepreneurship in our great state! This is #ECOSYSTEMING.

?? Exciting news for Chapel Hill's startup ecosystem! Congratulations to Junction Member Charles Douthitt from Virnika and Sasha Surkin from WeyeZE, members of our Innovate Carolina Junction community, on winning NC IDEA SEED grants! ?? We’re so proud of the work you’re doing—Virnika’s AI-powered restaurant solutions and WeyeZE’s transformative self-correcting glasses. Thank you, NC IDEA, for empowering local startups. Can’t wait to see what’s next for both of you! ?? #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #NCIdea

Congratulations to the seven recipients of this cycle's NC IDEA's SEED grants! Among the awardees are Sunlight, led by Ryan O., former CEO of exited WIN portfolio company, EmployUs, and Atlantic Fish Co, which is developing cultivated seafood products and also has leadership ties to NC State. WIN is proud to be a part of North Carolina's dynamic early-stage ecosystem, and we deeply appreciate the incredible work that NC IDEA does to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth across our GREAT state! Today the organization crosses over $10M in funding since its inception. Congrats to the incredible NC IDEA team!

The past few days, I attended the NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, where the spotlight was on rural America. It’s incredible to see larger companies and organizations finally recognizing the vital role rural communities play in driving innovation, strengthening economies, and shaping the future.? As the world’s first local discovery platform purpose-built for rural America, Nearby Nearby is solving the unique challenges rural communities face—whether it’s connecting people to local businesses, events, parks, or services. Our mission is to amplify the heart of these communities, fostering pride and creating opportunities that reflect the resilience and brilliance of rural America.? The conversations at the summit reinforced how important this work is and how much potential there is in rural-focused solutions. Proud to be part of this movement, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!? #NCIDEA #2024EcosystemSummit #NCEcosystem #Ecosysteming #nearbynearby #RuralAmerica #LocalDiscovery #Innovation #CommunityEmpowerment

This week we held at Winston-Salem State University the Fall 2024 RamPitch competition that brought together entrepreneurial students, faculty/staff, and community supporters to enjoy and celebrate the spirit of innovative solutions to business and societal challenges. While in all competitions rankings and placements are necessary mechanisms to reward excellence, all 5 competing projects were impressive and with potential to develop to meaningful business ventures. Congratulations to Bryan Tillman Jr., Vanasia A. Lynch, Kayla Walker, Natasha McNeill, Ciara Hill, and Shakya Craig for the effort and dedication to share their exciting ventures. Many thanks to the rest of the "village" that contributed to our students' success. Judges Tiffany (She/Her) Richmond, Louis Judge --- MBA, CLP, RTTP, Morgan Moore, David Morris and Troy L. Wood. Student mentors Jon Kapell, Ed.D. , Broussard Chelii and PNC faculty fellows Kyle Luth, Suresh Gopalan, Susita Carroll, Shih Yung Chou, and partners William Gibson, Soncerey M. Speas, Ph.D., Carol Cain, Ph.D., CPA, Jeanine Luciana Lino Silva Couto, and Lisandra Estevez. None of this is possible without the trust and financial support of NC IDEA and PNC who believe in our institution and talented students and our loyal partners Nike Roach, LMBT, M.S. and Carol Davis, Esq., MBA. The future of entrepreneurial education and outreach projects at WSSU is strong and will be much stronger with the enthusiastic support of our senior leadership Frank Ingram Shawn E. Holt, Manju Bhat, M.V.Sc., Ph.D., Anthony Graham, and Chancellor Bonita Brown. Cheers to a brighter and promising future.

Hey #NorthCarolina #Startup #Entrepreneurs Help US Help YOU and we can change the State for the better for ALL Read how in this newsletter Entrepreneur development is #EconomicDevelopment NC IDEA

Fathom Science Business Advisor mark huang recently served as a Keynote speaker at the 2024 NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit. This event brings together diverse leaders across the state to create a regional vision of entrepreneurial growth. Exciting to see how the Blue Economy is playing a major role in this growth. #BlueEconomy #OceanData #2024EcosystemSummit

It was an honor to be included on such a great panel at NC Idea’s Summit. This event provided a fantastic opportunity to learn about our ecosystem from different angles and about available resources for entrepreneurs in NC.

What a great time NC IDEA ecosystem summit Redirection CDC

Honored to have the opportunity to share and network with some Amazing People! Thank you NCIDEA for having me?? Looking forward to continuing to share The Entrepreneurial Mindset across Eastern NC. #2024EcosystemSummit #GlobalEntrepreneurWeek #Ecosysteming