This Insights was contributed by David Morrison, a graduate teaching assistant for the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).
 
Since opening its doors in 2010, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington has been marketing its services to those students and community members who are ready to bring their ideas to market, ideas that can scale and thereby become a part of the “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
 
Yet as we often advise those who visit the CIE, businesses have to be ready to face change. Sarah Ritter, a graduate student in computer science and entrepreneur-in-residence at CIE, met that challenge first hand. When Leah Sherrill, now founder and chief executive officer of Special Pedals Inc., came to CIE in August looking for help, Ritter found the connection that Sherrill needed and did not hesitate to reach out.
 
Sherrill, a senior in the adaptive curriculum program for special education in UNCW’s Watson College of Education, wants to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities by providing individualized training. Part of that training model involves the creation of a nonprofit bike program. Remembering that I had a background in nonprofit management, Ritter asked me to begin volunteering to assist Sherrill with her startup process.
 
Since September, Special Pedals Inc. has had a number of opportunities, including participating in the 2015-16 Discovery Forum hosted by N.C. State University; presenting as part of the 2015 Cucalorus CONNECT Rocket Pitch; and placing first runner-up (graduate category) at the 2016 UNC Social Entrepreneurship Conference (SEC). The largest such conference of its kind in the state, UNC SEC offers both students and their mentors the chance to delve deeper and plan solutions for the social landscape of tomorrow.
 
From the moment I joined the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship team in late January as a graduate teaching assistant, I have been witness to the fact that this is not just another trend for the CIE team. Rather, the members of the team truly see the underlying value in helping businesses and nonprofits in our community that want to help others.
 
I will be the first to admit that as a member of the CIE team, there is never a dull moment. We bring new ideas and challenges to the table every day. Yet I truly believe that each member of the team has a passion for creating change. Change that, for CIE and me, would not have occurred without taking the time to have a conversation.
 
Conversations these days extend far beyond the four walls of the center. In addition to developing resources for emerging nonprofits, I have made it part of my mission to better understand CIE and to help market its events and services more effectively. While we have always had a large network of people interested in what we do, the landscape is always changing. Audiences want to know that, as an incubator focused on assisting those with the next great idea, CIE is on top of social media and always looking ahead. We are constantly exploring how we distribute content through our online platforms and place tremendous value in efforts that involve technology.
 
Additionally, CIE continues to take steps to ensure that social entrepreneurship becomes a part of our overall focus. In January, we hosted a panel discussion on issues related to social enterprise in partnership with Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO), another UNCW initiative that provides a wealth of training to existing nonprofits across southeastern North Carolina. CIE also has been quick to embrace the creation of a startup guide for those interested in creating or learning more about nonprofits on their own. Beyond educating the community about the growing category of social enterprise, CIE looks forward to a time when those who are passionate about creating change will reach out, just as Sherrill did.
 
It has, without question, been a busy few months for me as I attempt to discover my place within the center, and for that matter, in life. Yet I have discovered one thing for sure. I am truly grateful to be a part of this dynamic team and I know that we can help our community develop using its wildest dreams as our guide. After all, the entrepreneurs of today will be the leaders of tomorrow, so let’s make the world we will have to lead better, one idea at a time.
 
David Morrison is a graduate teaching assistant for the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). He is enrolled in the masters of public administration (MPA) program in the UNCW Department of Public and International Affairs. Morrison holds a bachelor’s degree in English, also from UNCW. He serves as a member of multiple community organizations, including as chair of the Cape Fear Disability Commission and vice-chair of the Miracle League of Wilmington. Morrison is available for consultations at the CIE by appointment. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling the CIE Office. Follow the CIE on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about our events and programs.
 
Craig S. Galbraith, Ph.D. is director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and executive director of the UNCW Research Foundation. The CIE is a resource for the start-up and early-stage business community to help diversify the local economy with innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.uncw.edu/cie.