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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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
August

Lexington Strong Women - Strong Coffee

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The Compass Center at Guide Realty | 1591 Winchester Road, Suite 104 Lexington, KY 40505

News

The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs Summer Startup Program Announces 2025 Business Pitch Competition Winners

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 17, 2025 ) — Some of Kentucky’s most innovative high school students created business solutions for real-world problems and acquired skills that will serve them for a lifetime during the 2025 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) Summer Startup Program. Students tackled challenges ranging from mental health to lithium-ion battery disposal to heart failure detection. GSE identifies, inspires, and empowers Kentucky’s future innovators through its three-week Summer Startup program for high schoolers.

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.