U News | U of Arkansas for Medical Services launches new healthcare program
Events announced at the University of Virginia and Colorado State University.
From the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS):
UAMS’ BioVentures has launched the ACTIVE Program in partnership with Little Rock-based The Venture Center to give socially and economically disadvantaged innovators (SEDI) in healthcare and technology opportunities to develop businesses.
According to a published report, the initiative aims to enhance health outcomes throughout Arkansas, creating an environment for the growth of innovative ideas and entrepreneurs. It seeks to position Arkansas as a key center for healthcare solutions, backing early stage companies with the potential to influence markets both locally and globally.
Funding for the program comes from the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program, with partnerships including the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Philander Smith College.
The year-long program will accept 25 participants annually, providing concentrated and personalized support
From the University of Virginia:
Leaders from across the national venture capital landscape will gather later this week for the University of Virginia Venture Capital Conference hosted by the Mayo Center for Asset Management at the Darden School of Business. Held on the Sands Family Grounds in Rosslyn on April 12, the conference will explore how market conditions influence venture capital activity across sectors including defense, cybersecurity, health care, and consumer goods.
From the University of South Florida:
The Tampa-based University has launched an eight-week online program designed to provide an overview of foundational fintech topics such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, non-fungible assets, decentralized finance (DeFi) and alternative lending. University of South Florida faculty will provide non-technical lessons related to emerging technologies and introduce key terms, concepts and applications. Industry experts from a variety of business sectors will present real-world perspectives and actual industry use cases. Click here to learn more.
From the University of Arkansas:
More than 1,200 students attended the recent business career fair held bi-annually by the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
The spring event attracted 151 companies from all over the country, as students mingled with a wide array of employers, from industry giants like Walmart, General Mills and PepsiCo to dynamic start-ups. Understanding the unique career aspirations of the students, employers in attendance offered roles that ranged from full-time and part-time to co-op and internship positions.
From Colorado State University (CSU):
Innovate CSU Day later this month will showcase and celebrate innovation through two flagship events: CSU Demo Day, hosted by CSU STRATA, and the Venture RAMS Business Showcase, hosted by the CSU College of Business Institute for Entrepreneurship (I4E).
Beginning at 11 a.m. on April 17 and continuing for the balance of the afternoon, Innovate CSU Day will offer attendees the opportunity to witness the groundbreaking projects, start-ups, and ventures representing various industries, contributing to the local and global innovation landscape. Among the combined activities are:
- CSU Demo Day will showcase the breadth of ideas throughout CSU Fort Collins and CSU Pueblo with student posters and CSU-affiliated start-up companies presenting their innovative solutions.
- The CSU STRATA “Lab to Life” program will exhibit its current start-up companies, highlighting the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Industry partners, including CSU STRATA’s partnered law firms and representatives from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, will be present to provide insight into how intellectual property derived from research can be protected.
- The Venture RAMS Business Showcase is slated for the latter part of the day, offering a platform for six student venture finalists to pitch their businesses and connect with industry leaders, potential investors, business partners, and customers. More than just a competition, it enables students from diverse majors to showcase their entrepreneurial endeavors for a chance to win startup funding.
From Elon University:
The founders of Wilmington, NC-based Live Oak Bancshares have built one of the country’s most active small business lenders and bankers, with plans for continued growth in the decades to come. In recognition of that accomplishment, Elon University has awarded it Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership to W. Lee Williams III and James S. “Chip” Mahan III. Williams is an Elon University Trustee. The two founded Live Oak 16 years ago.
From Harris-Stowe State University:
The St. Louis-based University is nearing completion of its new Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), with the Midtown facility expected to open this summer. The $4.9 million entrepreneurship facility just north of Harris-Stowe’s campus in St. Louis is designed to serve as a hub for entrepreneurs and students and house programming provided by the Minority Entrepreneurship Collaborative Center for Advancement (MECCA). A grand opening event for the facility is currently expected in August.
With MECCA’s program designed for minority entrepreneurs, the new CIE is intended to be a welcoming space for underrepresented business owners, giving them a place where they “see themselves represented,” said CIE Executive Director Kristy Jackson.
Over the past several years, the historically Black university has boosted its entrepreneurship programming for students and community members. Harris-Stowe has launched a series of accelerator programs, as well as an 18-credit-hour entrepreneurship certificate program. Last year, 148 people graduated from Harris-Stowe’s MECCA programs.
The new CIE facility includes offices, flexible gathering space and meeting rooms. Its design aims to provide entrepreneurs with space where they can work on their business and meet with clients and others. The facility also includes an outdoor, second-floor terrace expected to be used for receptions and events related to MECCA’s programming.
