UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE

This week at 1MC!! 🏁
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Chris Bennett with Bennett Motorsports Support!

☕️ Join us next week for 1 Million Cups at 9 AM!

What an inspiring afternoon at the Wilmington Innovation Forum! 🧠🦈

Thank you to Dr. Rachel Kohman and Dr. Kara Yopak for sharing how cutting-edge neuroplasticity research is advancing our understanding of brain health and resilience.

We appreciate our Presenting Sponsor, NCInnovation, and Supporting Sponsor, UNCW Research and Innovation, for helping make this series possible!

💡 Register today for the next Wilmington Innovation Forum Brain Health Series on September 3rd featuring Dr. David MacQueen!

🔗 https://23622978.hs-sites.com/wilmingtoninnovation

In honor of NATIONAL OYSTER MONTH, we are sharing how Dr. Ami Wilbur, UNCW CMS Shellfish Research Hatchery and colleagues are investigating oyster die-offs and seeking to breed more resilient oysters. Her research tested whether oyster type (diploid vs. triploid) or origin (NC vs. VA) affected growth and survival in areas with high mortality. NC oysters generally performed better, and research is ongoing to find the cause. 🦪 https://bit.ly/BreedResilience

Hot take: Entrepreneurship isn't just for startups. It's a mindset that helps businesses of every size adapt, innovate, and stay competitive.

In the latest SBTDC blog, “Rethinking Entrepreneurship: It’s Not a Stage, It’s a Mindset," our Business Launch Director, Neal McTighe challenges the traditional definition of entrepreneurship and shares three practical ways business owners can think more like founders.

In today's competitive landscape, it'll make the difference between staying relevant or getting left behind.

Read the full article here 🔗 https://ow.ly/ZAGo50ZupJ4

📚 Learn With Us.

The best entrepreneurs never stop learning!

That's why Thrive is built to help business owners gain practical knowledge they can put into action. Through expert led workshops, experienced mentors, and collaborative discussions, you'll explore new strategies, strengthen your leadership, and discover new ways to move your business forward.

🌱 Learn with us. Thrive with us.

🔗 https://23622978.hs-sites.com/thrivelabcohort2

Register Today!
🔗 sbtdc.org/events/wilmington-veterans-govcon-roundtable-ecosystem-building

Looking to grow your network and discover new government contracting opportunities?

Join us in Wilmington for another GovCon Roundtable designed to connect veteran-owned businesses, military-connected entrepreneurs, resource partners, and businesses interested in collaborating within the government contracting space.

Network with fellow business leaders, explore teaming and mentor-protégé opportunities, and build strategic partnerships that strengthen North Carolina's government contracting ecosystem.

🗓️ August 13, 2026
🕒 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Registration & more info 🔗 sbtdc.org/events/wilmington-veterans-govcon-roundtable-ecosystem-building

📚 The 1MC Wilmington Back To School Schedule! We have a stacked line-up of entrepreneurs presenting. These include brand new businesses, Founders who have recently moved to the area, and companies that are operating but still figuring things out.

Over the next two months we only have 6️⃣ spots available. Apply and get on the schedule today.

You won't want to miss 1MC as an attendee. You have valuable knowledge to express, connections to share, and questions to ask. Our community is getting better one presentation, one question, and one cup of coffee at a time!

Bitty and Beaus Coffee is provided by June Coast!

Every Wednesday | 9am - 10am
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

☕ 🤝 A morning dedicated to community building. 1MC Wilmington has been having two presenters each week for the past couple of months. This is a strategic break. Join us at 9am for community building games, and extended time to interact with those around you.

⚡ Thanks to June Coast for fueling us with Bitty & Beaus!

Wednesday, August 5th
9am - 10am
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This week at 1MC!! ✈️🎥
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Careca Akarue with Eurufly and Tiffany Cripps with Calm the Chaos TV!

☕️ Join us next week for 1 Million Cups at 9 AM!

🌱 Your next stage of business growth starts here.

Applications are now open for the second cohort of Thrive, UNCW CIE's business growth program designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen their leadership, sharpen their strategy, and grow alongside a community of like minded business owners.

Through expert led workshops, mentorship, and meaningful connections, you'll gain the tools and confidence to take your business to the next level.
If you're ready to invest in your business and yourself, this is your opportunity.

📅 Applications close September 4.

Apply today and Thrive with us! 🌱
🔗 https://23622978.hs-sites.com/thrivelabcohort2