Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

As someone who’s been in the startup tech space for over a decade, I’ve attended too many demo days to count. And, I always leave inspired. ???? But the Future Ready Bootcamp Demo Night stood out as a masterclass in reverse mentoring—where the students became the teachers. The Future Ready Bootcamp, a collaboration between NCCU's Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) and The Katalyst HQ, is an 8-week program at Central designed to equip undergraduates with product management fundamentals. Ambitious students came together weekly to tackle the startup journey from ideation to launch, applying design thinking, tools, and AI frameworks along the way. CEED inspires entrepreneurship by cultivating creativity and innovation, empowering entrepreneurs at all stages, and contributing to NCCU’s rich legacy of entrepreneurial excellence. ?? Special shout-out to leaders Kenyetta Hall, MBA, CSM, CSPO and Katrece Boyd, whose passion and joy were life-giving. Their dedication to fostering creativity, confidence, and resilience in Durham’s next generation of entrepreneurs was inspiring. But Demo Night was all about reverse mentoring. Here are the lessons I learned from the brilliant Mya Reynolds, Tervonna Pollard, alysia ofori, Rianna Munn, Kelvin Mccaffity Jr, Diawoda Kamara and Marquis Gallman ? Solve Local Challenges ? Students tackled real challenges facing their peers, such as career exploration and marketing student-owned businesses, proving the power of starting with what you know. ? Grow Together ? They learned, researched, and presented as a team, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s strengths were valued—a testament to the power of collaboration. ? Invite Critical Feedback ? Students sought real-time feedback from local tech leaders, engaging vulnerably and responding with adaptability and appreciation. ? Reflect on Learnings ? They shared thoughtful reflections on how this experience shaped their career goals, demonstrating personal and professional growth. ? Ask for What You Need ? Whether a LinkedIn connection, mentor, or new customers, students confidently asked for resources in real time, showing the power of self-advocacy. ? Appreciate Your Coaches ? They ended the night with a heartfelt, ad-libbed round of gratitude for their mentors, sharing how the program built their confidence and inspired innovation. Programs like this are catalysts for growth. The Future Ready Bootcamp bridged the gap between theory and real-world application, embodying the journey from 0 to 1, GTM, and growth. Congratulations to all involved for creating something truly transformative!

This week, the Pitch Creator Competition was a remarkable showcase of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit! ??? From groundbreaking ideas to passionate pitches, the evening was filled with energy, creativity, and collaboration. A huge thank you to all the participants, judges, and supporters who made this event possible. Your dedication to turning ideas into action and impact is truly inspiring. Here’s to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and fostering a community of innovation! ?? #PitchCreator #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #CEED #Leadership

?? Why Community Partnerships Matter at CEED ?? At the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED), we believe that entrepreneurship is a community effort. Our mission goes beyond supporting individual businesses – we’re here to build an interconnected, resilient ecosystem where local entrepreneurs, community organizations, and businesses can thrive together. Why do community partnerships matter? Partnerships with local organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions create a powerful network of resources, knowledge, and support for every entrepreneur we work with. Here’s how these partnerships drive meaningful impact: ?? Resource Sharing – Our partners provide essential resources that amplify our reach and capacity. From mentorship programs to networking events, these collaborations equip our entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. ?? Diverse Expertise – Each partnership brings unique knowledge and insights, enriching the experience for CEED’s members. Together, we address the challenges of business ownership, from financial planning to market strategy, through shared expertise and real-world solutions. ?? Building a Supportive Network – A key aspect of entrepreneurship is having a network of support, and our partners help foster that. Local businesses, nonprofits, and educators create a supportive environment where CEED entrepreneurs feel empowered to take risks, innovate, and grow. ?? Strengthening the Local Economy – By working together, we’re not just supporting individual success stories; we’re strengthening our community’s economic foundation. Every business we help create or grow contributes to job creation, economic diversity, and a thriving local culture. At CEED, we’re thankful for every partner that stands with us. Together, we’re proving that collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Thank you to our incredible community for being part of this journey with us!

Come join us for our FutureReady Bootcamp Showcase! See below for registration information.

?? Stay Connected with CEED’s Weekly Newsletter! ?? Get the latest from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) delivered to your inbox! Our newsletter is your go-to source for empowering insights, event updates, and essential resources tailored for students, entrepreneurs, and innovators. ? Here’s what you’ll discover each week: ?? Stories of entrepreneurial triumph and resilience ?? Actionable business strategies and tips ?? Invitations to upcoming events and workshops ?? Access to exclusive networking opportunities Elevate your journey in entrepreneurship with inspiration and tools designed to fuel growth and success. ?? Subscribe today and be part of a community that’s transforming ideas into impact! #CEEDNewsletter #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #SmallBusiness

We’re so excited to collaborate with CED (Center for Entrepreneurial Development) and their new Startup TNT Program! I know it will be a value add to our students and the ecosystem at large! #NCCUCEED #CEED

?? Event Recap: Durham Mayor’s Town Hall on Small Business Growth & Development ?? Thank you to everyone who joined us at the City of Durham’s Town Hall Meeting on “Scaling Your Business through Collaborative Resources and Opportunities!” It was an inspiring event filled with valuable insights for small business growth in our community. Key Takeaways: ?? Mayor Leonardo Williams highlighted the city’s dedication to supporting local businesses through innovative policies and resources. ?? Geoff Durham, President & CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, shared strategies on leveraging community partnerships to overcome common growth challenges. ?? @Allan Thomas, SBA Regional Administrator, emphasized the financial tools and programs available to fuel small business expansion. ?? A special thank you to our guest panelist, John Hope Bryant who dropped invaluable wisdom on business credit, homeownership, wealth building, and understanding how the free market works. Special thanks to Dr. Anthony Nelson for expertly moderating the event and fostering an insightful discussion. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient business community in Durham. Here’s to more collaboration and continued growth! #DurhamNC #SmallBusiness #CommunitySupport #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

One more day until our Mentorship Alliance Program Info Session! Come and learn how you can support the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders while growing your own network and opportunity. Registration is still open. https://lnkd.in/gjSFEqyT

?? Empower, Guide, Impact ?? We are pleased to announce the launch of our new mentorship program! Join the Mentorship Alliance Program (MAP) and help shape our future entrepreneurial leaders. Gain valuable tools, connect with local professionals, and make a lasting impact by mentoring the next generation of business leaders. ?? ?? Info Session: Thursday, October 24th at 5:30 PM ?? Business Incubator Space, School of Business Refreshments will be served. Spots are limited—RSVP by October 18th! #MentorshipMatters #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MakeAnImpact