Follow Heather Linkedin Twitter Facebook
Email Heather Email
Financial
Aug 26, 2021

The CIE Is All In On All Blue

Sponsored Content provided by Heather McWhorter - Director, UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

COVID has reshaped not just how we live, work, and play but also where we live. While there is a mass exodus from major U.S. cities due to the pandemic, Wilmington has become a destination of choice. In fact, according to United Van Lines, Wilmington was the top location for inbound moves in 2020. Human capital has become a substantial resource and it is being cultivated at UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

The CIE engages seasoned volunteers with extensive experience in the corporate world and with startups. With 140 mentors, this group dedicates time to growing the startup community.

However, the CIE mentors are doing more than guiding new business owners. A core group of mentors is participating in another CIE initiative – the Alliance for the Blue Economy or All Blue. Having a coastal city with homegrown and inbound talent is creating new awareness of the power of the ocean and coastal living. Opportunities elevated have ranged from a climate and tourism perspective, and also as a driver of regional economic development. The Blue Economy is globally recognized and is defined by the World Bank as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystems.”

All Blue’s mission is to increase awareness of the opportunities for economic development with innovative businesses and entrepreneurs in such fields as marine robotics, sustainable fisheries, and marine biopharma. These new ventures will establish Southeast North Carolina as a national and global leader in the Blue Economy and lead to new technologies, processes, companies, and jobs being created right here in Wilmington.

The new talents and ideas that are will be attracted to Wilmington will augment a culture that is already steeped in innovation and giving. Of course, one example of this is the CIE’s mentor program that nurtures Wilmington’s entrepreneurial projects. These new perspectives and experiences can lead to transformational changes in our collective community.

The Alliance for the Blue Economy’s members come from a cross-section of the country including North Carolina. They are scientists, biologists, software engineers, marketing experts, and thought leaders in innovations and technology. They recognize that Wilmington’s access to the oceans is one the best on the East Coast and the unique eco-system of our waterways and barrier islands is a treasure trove for marine biologists, fishermen, tour operators, and many more who make their living from the ocean.

But let’s stop for a moment and note that Wilmington’s foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship was formed prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and was solidly built. Two Wilmington-based multi-billion-dollar companies went public on Nasdaq. PPD and nCino paved the way in Wilmington and there are more just like them. The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and growing.

All Blue is tapping into this energy and creating awareness around the importance of the oceans and their health. The economic growth in Wilmington starts with the care and preservation of our waterways. Locals and transplants have come together to help grow Wilmington in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. All Blue spans the community and invites stakeholders to join us in establishing our region as a leader in the future of the Blue Economy.

Article contributed by Richard Keary, a CIE Mentor. Richard is the Principal/Founder of Global ETF Advisors LLC- an independent management consulting firm.
 

Other Posts from Heather McWhorter

Uncw cie 22
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Mcwhorter 0005

2025 Updates : UNCW’s Research Innovation & Technology Portfolio

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Bovio ernie ceo 240207 head 712412398

One to Grow On – A Look at My First Year at the Coast

Ernie Bovio - New Hanover Regional Medical Center Novant Health
Jenniferadams

Refreshing Water (and Sewer) in Wrightsville Beach

Jennifer Adams - Cape Fear Public Utility Authority

Trending News

Walsh Joins Momentum Companies

Staff Reports - Apr 22, 2025

Plans For Wilmington RV Park Submitted, Following Pause

Emma Dill - Apr 21, 2025

Mitchell Of Coastal Horizons Named Bernstein Fellow

Staff Reports - Apr 22, 2025

Long Earns Outstanding Clerk Award

Staff Reports - Apr 22, 2025

Creature Theory Earns Design Accolades

Staff Reports - Apr 22, 2025

In The Current Issue

Area Attorneys Chosen For The 2025 Super Lawyers List

Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers across the nation. Peer nominations and evaluations along with third-party research are used to...


Car Clubs Drive Community

An antique automobile is considered a car that is 25 years old or older; however, the oldest car in one local club is from 1915, and many me...


District Attorney Lays Down The Law

Since being elected, he said, he has been working to address three main priorities: domestic violence and homicide; the drug epidemic spanni...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season