About Us

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 workshops, 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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News

College of Communication and Information, Gatton College of Business and Economics empower entrepreneurial thinking

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2023) — The University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information (CI) and the Gatton College of Business and Economics are excited to announce collaborative initiatives related to entrepreneurial thinking.

CI is home to the Innovation Network for Entrepreneurial Thinking (iNet) certificate. This multidisciplinary certificate is geared towards students interested in an academic and entrepreneurial pathway at UK.

Now Accepting Applications - Fall 2023 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp Online Accelerator

The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship and the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky is excited to announce open enrollment for the Fall 2023 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0: an online accelerator, designed to assess and validate the feasibility of a business concept, create a business model and provide hands-on experience for entrepreneurs seeking to launch a startup for the first time in the state of Kentucky. 

Congratulations Bootcamp Spring 2023 Winning Startups!

The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), in the Gatton College of Business & Economics, is proud to announce 16 winning early-stage startups that graduated from The Spring 2023 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp Online Accelerator Program! Congratulations to both sections for completing Bootcamp 2.0 and 1.0, while earning early stage capital to catapult their ventures!