Golden LEAF funding forms new Rural Entrepreneurship Regional Constellations Program ↴
NC IDEA receives $10M to support rural entrepreneurs
NC IDEA recently was awarded $10 million in funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to establish the Rural Entrepreneurship Regional Constellation program across North Carolina. The initiative uses a "hub and spoke" network model involving universities, community colleges, and local economic developers to support early-stage small businesses, particularly those with 10 or fewer employees. Participating entrepreneurs and small business owners will gain access to critical resources, including mentorship, business acceleration, and specialized legal, financial, and marketing assistance. Over the next five years, the program aims to support 1,800 early-stage companies, create 2,000 jobs, and generate $40 million in capital across six rural regions in North Carolina. NC IDEA will oversee the program and plans to begin soliciting proposals for regional lead partners starting in the fall, with initial grant awards expected early next year. Full story.
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Do you have an opportunity or program doing great STEM work in North Carolina? 
Attention educators! If you are planning field trips for the upcoming school year, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill has you covered with programs that align with North Carolina Essential Standards to enhance your classroom instruction.
East Carolina University hosted more than 300 K-12 educators for their annual STEM Symposium last month in Greenville. This event provided a number of breakout sessions, workshops, a keynote presentation, vendors, visits to Hyster-Yale and Grady White Boats - all with the goal of promoting high-quality STEM teaching and workforce readiness. 
