UK Gatton College of Business and Economics
 

Our Mission

The mission of the University of Kentucky's Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), in keeping with the Gatton College of Business and Economics Strategic Plan, is to strengthen Kentucky’s economy through entrepreneurship and small business outreach in the Commonwealth. VACE serves students, staff, faculty, and community entrepreneurs with the goal to help launch their startup dreams. The Center seeks guidance from members on the advisory board as well as regional stakeholders to foster entrepreneurial education through webinars, online accelerator programming, and public events. VACE also connects entrepreneurs with mentors, Kentucky Angel Investors, and free access to downloadable books and templates. Check out the latest news, events, accelerator opportunities, and video library resources to get involved.

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June

GSE Summer Startup at The Gatton College of Business

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Gatton College of Business and Economics | June 22 - July 13
July

Fall 2025 Bootcamp: Online Orientation & Info Session

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Webinar | Deadline to RSVP is August 20th
July

Apply Today! Fall 2025 Bootcamp Accelerator!

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Online Business Accelerator | Deadline to Apply is August 24th

News

July 2025 Newsletter: A Summer of Entrepreneurial Excellence at UK and Beyond!

Summer is in full swing, and so is the spirit of innovation at the University of Kentucky's Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship! We're thrilled to share some inspiring success stories from our talented founders, highlight exciting upcoming events, and provide valuable resources for aspiring entrepreneurs in our community.

UK Entrepreneur Madison Bates Wins Emerging Entrepreneurs Competition interviewed on Fox56 News

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2025) Meet Madison Bates, the visionary founder of R.A.M. Devices, LLC, an innovative MedTech startup dedicated to transforming stroke rehabilitation. With a strong foundation in biomedical engineering and neuroscience from the University of Kentucky, Madison has channeled her expertise into developing cutting-edge wearable sensor technology.

UK Gatton College, GSE extend partnership to empower future business leaders

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 20, 2025) — The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) and the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky have announced a three-year extension of their partnership. The GSE “Summer Startup” program will be held on campus through 2027. Following a highly successful inaugural summer session in 2024, the collaboration marks a continued investment in Kentucky’s next generation of business leaders and innovators.