The University of Kentucky’s Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) at the Gatton College of Business & Economics have joined forces with Lindsey Wilson College, located in Columbia, KY, to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in students seeking to start businesses in the Bluegrass. This collaboration began in 2021, combining the expertise of both institutions to assist and educate future founders across the state through the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp Online Accelerator, offered through VACE.
Through this partnership, students, faculty, and community members can access resources such as:
- Mentorship: Experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders guide aspiring innovators.
- Webinars and Training: Skill-building sessions on topics like business planning, marketing, and fundraising.
- Statewide Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers throughout Kentucky.
- Kentucky-based Programs: Support for early-stage ventures with resources like office space and seed funding.
The collaboration has already yielded promising results. Lindsey Wilson students have launched successful businesses in their local communities and have developed the momentum and confidence to raise capital for their ventures.
“The relationship with the University of Kentucky Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship has provided Lindsey Wilson College’s students with the opportunity to have access to a wide range of valuable resources and to interface with other aspiring entrepreneurs like themselves coupled with seasoned entrepreneurs across Kentucky, and by doing so, has provided them challenges which have helped them gain more knowledge and confidence to pursue their business concepts.” --- Linda Grider, School of Business and Communication, Lindsey Wilson College
“It has been great to work with Lindsey Wilson College in this statewide outreach effort. Having their students participate in the online Bootcamp accelerator is consistent with VACE’s mission of working with entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth.” --- Warren Nash, Executive Director of The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship
The future of this partnership is bright. By fostering a growing culture of entrepreneurs seeking to launch businesses in Kentucky and providing the necessary tools and resources, The Von Allmen Center and Lindsey Wilson College are empowering the next generation of business leaders and strengthening skills for students as they enter the workforce.
Mission Statements:
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.
The purpose of the Lindsey Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship is to assist in the creation and growth of new for-profit and non-profit organizations; to enhance the education of Lindsey Wilson College students with real-world experience, and to foster partnerships among students, faculty, establish business leaders, and new entrepreneurs. The Center aims to improve the economic culture of the surrounding community and, in doing so, improve people's quality of life through greater prosperity.