The Kauffman Foundation awarded UNC $3.5 million to create the Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative (CEI), which will be led by the business school’s Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, a campus hub and outreach arm for collaboration among academia, government, business and civil society.

Jack Kasarda, Kenan Institute director and Kenan Distinguished Professor of Management, will head the campuswide initiative, which will focus on creating traditional business entrepreneurs as well as social, civic and academic entrepreneurs.

Through 13 distinctive programs, CEI will inspire, teach and connect the next generation of entrepreneurs and help prepare them to create new knowledge and ventures with business and social impact.

From the beginning, CEI will introduce undergraduates across campus to entrepreneurship through new entrepreneurship-related first-year seminars, a minor in entrepreneurship and a host of internship opportunities that will expose students to the real-world challenges of starting, growing and managing new ventures including nonprofits.

Other components proposed by UNC as part of the grant include the following:

• The Carolina Innovations Laboratory will house an entrepreneur-in-residence program where students can get inspiration and guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs.
• The Carolina Launch Program will help students develop the skills and connections that are necessary for the successful launch of real businesses.
• An alumni network and a mentorship program will link entrepreneurship minors and other interested students with distinguished alumni entrepreneurs.
• The best of the University’s entrepreneurship work will come together once a year for the annual Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative Celebration, featuring a competition, entrepreneurship expo and a network gathering of entrepreneurs.

"The spirit, vision and drive of entrepreneurship have always been prized by UNC Kenan-Flagler and its Kenan Institute," says Kasarda. "It is time to bring those qualities to everyone at UNC-Chapel Hill."

For more information on the Kauffman Foundation, visit www.kauffman.org.