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.

VACE Homepage Img
March

Bootcamp Accelerator Startups: Where Are They Now featuring Counter

04
Webinar
March

PNC Innovation Summit - The Art of Startup Fundraising

26
Gatton College of Business and Economics, Woodward Hall (Room 307)
April

2025 PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition! Apply Today!

01
April 1, 2025 - Intent to Compete Deadline

News

PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition

The PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition is open to all University of Kentucky students from all majors across campus. Teams will pitch a business plan in their division, undergraduate or graduate (including PhD candidates), to compete for prize money. Student teams are encouraged to perform their best pitch to a panel of prestigious judges for a chance to win seed money for their startup ventures! A total of $20,000 in prize money has been generously sponsored by PNC Bank.

5th Annual PNC Innovation Summit on March 26th

The Gatton College of Business and Economics is pleased to announce its continued collaboration with PNC Bank to present the 2025 PNC Innovation Summit, “Funding Innovation – The Art of Startup Fundraising,” on March 26th and the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition on April 26th. Now in its fifth year, the PNC Innovation Summit provides UK students with insights into the startup arena and real-world challenges unique to early-stage organizations, while delivering opportunities for attendees to learn from and connect with distinguished business leaders and alumni.  

Five University of Kentucky Bootcamp Startups Selected for GSE Pitch!

The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to share some big news: GSE has selected five Bootcamp startups to compete in the 2025 Collegiate Pitch at Thomas Moore University on March 1st!