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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September

Spring 2025! Apply for Bootcamp 1.0 Business Accelerator!

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Online Business Accelerator
October

2025 GSE Collegiate Pitch, Apply Today!

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Location TBA (in-person event)
October

2025 GSE Summer Startup Open Enrollment!

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Location TBA (in-person event)

News

VACE Bootcamp Accelerator Graduate Wins Investment on ABC’s Shark Tank!

Lexington, KY – On October 18, 2024, Destin George Bell appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank Season 16 premiere to pitch his company, Card.io.  Destin is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and graduate from the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky (UK).  He received his undergraduate degree in marketing and pursued an entrepreneurial pathway as soon as he could.

2025 GSE Summer Startup Program Accepting Applications!

The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) Summer Startup program is now accepting applications for summer 2025. Deadline for submission is Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

2025 GSE Collegiate Pitch Competition!

Through its Collegiate Pitch competition, The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) encourages innovation and entrepreneurship by engaging students from Kentucky’s colleges and universities with an opportunity to develop and pursue their business ideas.   The competition rewards Business Models judged by an independent panel as the most innovative and complete, and the most likely to result in successful ventures that create new jobs for Kentuckians.