"This is where new ideas will percolate and hopefully come to be," explained Ketner School of Business Dean Jay Abraham as he stood in the headquarters of a new Entrepreneurship program at Catawba College. He spoke to a group of students, faculty, and community leaders gathered April 13th for an open house in the venture lab of CEED, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Experiential Development.
"This is the physical representation of the entrepreneurship program," he said, adding, "Ultimately, we hope our program will grow and expand back into the high schools and out in the community." Abraham’s last comment drew agreeable nods from those gathered, including Salisbury Mayor Karen Kirks Alexander and Rowan County Chamber Executive Director Elaine Spalding.
Abraham offered remarks during a short formal program at the CEED Open House that included Catawba College President Brien Lewis and Provost Dr. Michael Bitzer. CEED Director Dr. Renee Just and her colleagues in the Ketner School of Business were on hand in conversation with guests, explaining the various elements associated with CEED.
At its foundation are educational components, including both a Concentration in Entrepreneurship within the Bachelor of Science Business Administration program, along with a Minor in Entrepreneurship available to all Catawba students. Four core courses and five elective courses on Entrepreneurship will make up the initial curriculum that will be offered beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year.
Workshops relating to Entrepreneurship will also be offered, available to members of the Catawba community and the general public. The CEED venture lab will be the place were good ideas that have been screened and evaluated to assess their viability will ultimately be developed to take to the marketplace.
A strong Mentor Network, made up of successful entrepreneurs and business people from the local and the Catawba alumni community, will also be developed wherein mentors will be matched with startups and provide guidance to the entrepreneurs.
For more information about CEED, contact Dr. Renee Just, CEED Director, at (704) 637-4291 or rajust14@catawba.edu.
