This article was contributed by Kevin Conner, MBA, CIE Operations Manager.

In the rapidly evolving world of entrepreneurship, having an empowering and dynamic workspace can make all the difference. At the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), we go beyond providing incubator and coworking spaces. We create an environment that not only supports entrepreneurs and high-impact startups, but also immerses them in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
 
To hear from some of our tenants, please visit this video for Eight Oh Two Marketing, this video for Electronic Lab Logs, and this video for Mouths of Babes (MOB) Theatre.
 
This community acts as a magnet for ambitious entrepreneurs and startups in search of a collaborative and nurturing environment. The CIE is where professionals from diverse industries converge, fostering an innovative and creative ecosystem. That convergence encourages the exchange of ideas, the sharing of knowledge, and the creation of invaluable networking opportunities. 
 
The CIE incubator and coworking space is designed to ignite creativity and foster innovation, with multiple conference rooms and open layouts that promote productivity and engagement. We provide a variety of workstations, private offices, meeting rooms, and common areas to cater to different preferences and work styles. Whether businesses operate within our private incubator offices or collaborative coworking spaces, the CIE provides a unique platform for individuals to connect, forge partnerships, and inspire one another to propel their businesses forward.
 
To see what a CIE incubator office looks like, please watch this short video on Instagram.
 
As an entrepreneur within the CIE ecosystem, a tenant enjoys the flexibility to choose their working hours and optimize their productivity based on their individual needs. Each entrepreneur experiences unwavering support from an organization dedicated to their success, strengthened by the resources of a renowned university with a global mindset and a track record of excellence. Tenants have unparalleled access to our comprehensive range of services, including a multitude of programs, workshops, and networking events, all aimed at helping entrepreneurs flourish. Through these initiatives, our space nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit, providing startups with the necessary support and guidance to navigate the challenges inherent in building a successful business. Furthermore, as we are located within a HUBZone, tenancy at CIE can provide small businesses owners with enhanced access to federal funding and contract opportunities if they follow specific criteria. 
 
To hear more about CIE coworking, please watch this short video on Instagram.
 
Tenants benefit greatly from being surrounded by a diverse group of professionals who are eager to offer advice, share experiences, and provide feedback. Our space facilitates mentoring programs, connecting entrepreneurs with hundreds of seasoned and successful industry experts who can offer guidance and valuable insights. This mentorship network plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering personal growth, and significantly enhancing the chances of success for individuals and their ventures.
 
The CIE incubator and coworking space have emerged as a thriving ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of entrepreneurs and startups. By fostering collaboration, offering a nurturing environment, providing flexible workspaces, and cultivating a supportive community, our space has become a catalyst for innovation and success. Embracing the power of creativity and collaboration, this dynamic hub empowers individuals to thrive, turning their ideas into reality, unlocking their entrepreneurial potential, and propelling their businesses to new heights.
 
Connect with CIE
If you think the CIE incubator or coworking might be right for you, we have a limited number of spaces currently available. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
 
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Heather McWhorter, MS, PE, is the director of the UNCW CIE. CIE nurtures high-impact startups with education, connections, and incubation and collision space, and accelerates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina as a vibrant hub of innovation. For more information, please visit www.uncw.edu/cie.