THE UNIVERSITY of North Carolina at Chapel Hill embarked on a bold new endeavor in 2004, creating the Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative (CEI) with seed funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Today, the $11-million initiative has reached thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners with programs that extend from the top-ranked offerings of UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School across campus to students in the College of Arts and Sciences and professional schools. 

The goal: infuse entrepreneurship education throughout every aspect of education, research and outreach at North Carolina.

UNC defines entrepreneurship broadly to include not only commercial ventures but also social, artistic and scientific enterprises and activities. This supports the aspirations of Carolina students – more than 70 percent of whom say they hope to start a business one day.
The goal: infuse entrepreneurship education throughout every aspect of education, research and outreach at North Carolina.
It also reinforces the university’s public-service mission, encouraging students to use their entrepreneurial skills and expertise to create sustainable new companies and nonprofit organizations that address pressing societal needs.

Entrepreneurship Across the Curriculum Programs and Activities

The CEI offers several experiential education and venture-creation programs for undergraduates including:

• Carolina Challenge business plan competition offers teams of UNC faculty, staff and students the chance to compete for $50,000 in prize money

• Entrepreneurship minor for non-business students (complements the entrepreneurship concentration for business majors) to gain the knowledge, tools and experience to launch a for-profit or nonprofit venture

• First Year Seminars place UNC freshmen in small groups with senior faculty to delve deeply into topics related to entrepreneurship

• Financial Literacy Workshop teaches non-financial students the basics of accounting and financial management principles

• Launching the Venture helps serious entrepreneurs develop a business plan and gain the skills needed to launch a new venture

• Speaker Series brings to campus successful entrepreneurs and scholars who offer practical advice and experience to inspire and guide students in their entrepreneurial aspirations

• Women's Entrepreneurship Network offers regular discussions and networking for women enrolled in the minor in entrepreneurship to share knowledge and experiences and connect with successful female entrepreneurs and business executives