A new academic year is here, and we're thrilled to welcome back all our Wildcats! The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) is kicking off the Fall 2025 semester with our highly anticipated Bootcamp. This program is designed to transform innovative ideas into viable startups, providing founders with the tools, mentorship, and network they need to succeed. We are excited to introduce our new cohort of founders, whose groundbreaking ventures span a wide range of industries, from sustainable technology to social impact. Click here for the full newsletter and links to additional contact information.
VACE Yearbook: Fall 2024 - Summer 2025
The VACE Yearbook for the 2024-2025 academic year is officially out! This edition is a vibrant chronicle of the incredible journeys, milestones, and achievements of our student and community entrepreneurs. From the initial sparks of an idea to the launch of successful ventures, the yearbook captures the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines the VACE community. Browse through a year of remarkable progress and get inspired by the stories of your peers.
August Edition: Camel Club Networking for Startups
Join us for the August edition of the Camel Club, a unique networking event designed to connect local startups, founders, and investors in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. This month, we're focusing on fostering cross-industry collaborations and sharing best practices for early-stage growth. Bring your business cards, your elevator pitch, and your enthusiasm for a night of meaningful connections.
Strong Women Strong Coffee: Lexington Meetup
This event provides a supportive and empowering space for female entrepreneurs to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Network with fellow business leaders over a cup of coffee and build a community of strong, like-minded women dedicated to changing the entrepreneurial landscape.
Kentucky Entrepreneurs & Leaders: Lunch With a Purpose
Mark your calendars for "Lunch With a Purpose," a new monthly series bringing together Kentucky's most influential entrepreneurs and community leaders. This casual luncheon provides a platform for candid conversations about economic development, innovation, and social responsibility in the Commonwealth. This month’s topic will be announced soon, so stay tuned for a chance to gain insights from those at the forefront of Kentucky’s growth.
Fireside Chat with Nucleate Kentucky’s Emerging Chapter
Nucleate is a global, student-led organization that facilitates the formation of life science ventures. Learn about their mission to empower the next generation of biotech leaders and discover how their new Kentucky chapter will impact our state’s burgeoning life science ecosystem.
SOAR Summit 2025
Get ready for the SOAR Summit 2025! This premier event that unites entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to drive innovation and economic growth in Eastern Kentucky. This year's summit will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and pitch competitions. More details on the agenda and registration will be available on our website soon.
GSE 2025 Summer Startup Winning Teams!
A huge congratulations to the winning teams of the 2025 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) Summer Startup program! Their creativity and dedication were truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
Apply to Pitch at 5Across in Lexington!
Do you have a groundbreaking idea or a new product you’re ready to share with the world? Apply to pitch at 5Across in Lexington! This monthly pitch competition is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and compete for a cash prize. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just starting out, 5Across is the perfect stage to showcase your vision.
Webinar: "The Art of The Pivot"
Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant adaptation. Join us for our upcoming webinar, "The Art of The Pivot," where a panel of successful founders will share their stories of strategic shifts that led to remarkable growth. Learn how to recognize when a change is needed, how to re-strategize effectively, and how to embrace flexibility as a core tenet of your business model.
Kentucky Angel Featured Company: TrueTym
We are spotlighting TrueTym, a groundbreaking company recently featured by Kentucky Angel. TrueTym is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their operations with an innovative software solution that enhances efficiency and productivity. Their success story is a testament to the thriving startup ecosystem in Kentucky and the power of local investment. Congratulations to the TrueTym team!