Center for Entrepreneurship

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Community Outreach

Appalachian State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship has expanded outreach initiatives throughout the region through a $50,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Early this summer, the Center delivered a “Start Your Own Business” workshop series in Ashe County, May 19 – June 16. Prospective and current entrepreneurs participated in the three part series where they learned about entrepreneurship and business plans and were paired in the final session with a mentor from the community for one on one counseling. Two other series of workshops are scheduled in Wilkes County starting on October 27 and Watauga County starting on October 6. Stay tuned to our website for more information and registration options!

Grant funds have also supported the creation and development of “Re-powering our Region: Building Profit by Being Green” in Boone and Lenoir, co-sponsored with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission of Caldwell, Google, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp, and Duke Energy. On August 6, approximately 80 policy makers, educators and business leaders from the region participated in a renewable energy tour, dinner and networking in Boone. On August 7, 150 people participated in an all-day conference open to the public at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. The event featured expert panelists who discussed responsible energy use, local and global perspectives on the green economy, the area’s existing green businesses and various resources for education and economic development.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation grant has also supported various other Center for Entrepreneurship activities in recent months including planning of new economic development and entrepreneurship initiatives in partnership with regional community colleges, economic development commissions and chambers of commerce. It has also supported consulting activities with area businesses and non-profits.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation was established in 1936 as a memorial to the youngest son of the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The Foundation has now made grants totaling more than $432 million to recipients in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The Foundation currently gives special attention to certain focus areas: community economic development; the environment; democracy and civic engagement; pre-collegiate education; and social justice and equity. 

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Contact Us

entrepreneur@appstate.edu
828-262-6196