North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University

Blackstone LaunchPad at NCCU

**URL**: https://www.nccu.edu/news/blackstone-launchpad-partners-nccu-provide-resources-student-entrepreneurs **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: North Carolina Central University, by Stephen Fusi Posted October 18, 2022. NCCU is one of four HBCUs added to Blackstone LaunchPad network via $2M commitment from Blackstone Charitable Foundation ($40M overall commitment). Other schools: Bowie State, Morgan State, North Carolina A&T. LaunchPad facilitated by CEED. First event: NCCU Blackstone LaunchPad Ideas Competition (Oct 20, 2022). Cash prizes up to $1,000 campus competition, national competition up to $10,000. Categories: Social & Climate Impact, Health & Life Sciences, Consumer Products & Services, General. Interim Executive Director of CEED at time: Collis Arrick.

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North Carolina Central University

NCCU Creators Fund

**URL**: https://www.nccu.edu/news/nccu-creators-fund-empowers-student-visionaries **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: North Carolina Central University, by Syria Gilmore Posted August 27, 2025. The NCCU Creators Fund launched by alumni Austin Henley (08), Pierre Davis (09), and DeAndres Royal (10) to invest in students pursuing creative paths: fashion, media, technology, art, digital content. Awards up to $10,000 annually for three years. Inspired by NCCU creator legacy: André Leon Talley, 9th Wonder, Sunshine Anderson. Future plans to expand to mentorship, symposiums, collaborative opportunities. Goal: NCCU recognized nationally as a creative incubator.

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North Carolina Central University

Faculty Entrepreneurship Certification Workshop

**URL**: https://www.nccu.edu/news/nccu-center-entrepreneurship-and-economic-development-spotlighted-aacsb-faculty **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: North Carolina Central University, by Attiyya Dunn Posted January 8, 2025. CEED's Faculty Entrepreneurship Certification (FEC) Workshop highlighted by AACSB in "Promoting Entrepreneurship Across Campus." Launched 2023. Led by Steven Day, PhD, Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship. Two-week workshop targeting faculty from non-business disciplines. Covers Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, lean startup methodologies, MVP development, customer feedback. Three-phase curriculum: 1. Faculty create assignments incorporating entrepreneurial content 2. Demonstrate teaching methodologies to observers 3. Train to mentor students for Eagle Idea Competition Eight faculty from seven departments completed: mathematics/physics, family/consumer science, art/design, dance, mass communications, social work, law. Dean Anthony Nelson: "We see the Faculty Entrepreneurship Certification Workshop as a cornerstone of our entrepreneurial ecosystem."

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North Carolina Central University

NCCU School of Business Building

**URL**: https://www.nccu.edu/news/nccu-introduces-innovative-school-business-building **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: North Carolina Central University, by Attiyya Dunn Ribbon-cutting Feb 28, 2024. New 76,000 sq ft, $38.6M facility at Lawson Street and South Alston Avenue. Features: **Business Innovation Lab** — 3D printers, VR, AI for student ventures **Business Incubator Suite** — Home to CEED and Peggy Ward Financial Education Center Enhanced Culinary Lab & Dining Room Lowe's Auditorium (200-person capacity) Cybersecurity Lab Behavioral Research Classroom Trading Room with Bloomberg Terminals Dean Anthony Nelson: "Our gratitude goes out to our generous donors whose support has helped make this transformation possible." Also houses new MBA concentrations in cybersecurity, commercial real estate, wealth management — first HBCU to offer commercial real estate and wealth management at MBA level.

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North Carolina Central University

"CEED: Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development"

**URL**: https://www.nccu.edu/entrepreneurship **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: North Carolina Central University The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) serves as a dynamic hub for students, faculty, staff, and small business community members, providing essential resources, support, and education to cultivate successful entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. We are committed to entrepreneurial skill-building, lifting viable ventures off the ground, and connecting the entrepreneurship ecosystem with university resources that accelerate business growth. The vision is to be a transformative force in the region, where the collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and community members leads to the emergence of innovative ventures and sustainable economic development. Key programs listed: WBENC Women of Color Incubator, Mentorship Alliance Program (MAP), University Programming, Community Programming. CEED raised $2.5M+ in funding, 110 student fellows, 580 advisory hours, 120 small businesses served (90% minority-owned), 541 students engaged, 55+ pitch competition participants, 100+ events since Oct 2022, 8 high-potential ventures mentored, $350K+ student venture revenue. Executive Director: Katrece Boyd Program Manager: LaTrisha D Rushing Partners: PNC Bank, Blackstone, NC IDEA, Kauffman Foundation, Truist, Clorox, E3 Durham, State Farm, HUxPNC.

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North Carolina Central University

WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator at NCCU

**URL**: https://www.wbenc.org/programs/entrepreneur-incubator/nccu-2/ **Date**: 2026-06-26 **Source**: WBENC 2025 Entrepreneur Incubator at North Carolina Central University. Launched 2021, the WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator is designed for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs at educational institutions. Currently at 7 HBCUs. Includes structured learning sessions, 1:1 mentoring, and pitch competition with seed grant awards. 400+ participants, $150K+ awarded in seed grants. 2025 Cohort Details: Dates: September-November 2025 Location: Hybrid (virtual + NCCU campus) Up to 30 students 7 sessions covering: kickoff, refining ideas, prototypes, money management, roadmap, pitching, competition Open to female students at NCCU or recent graduates (within 12 months) Must have a business idea or early-stage venture Sponsors: GSK (founding), Altria, JPMorgan Chase, Southern California Edison

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