Applications Open for First VACE Spring Entrepreneurs Bootcamp

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 21, 2021) — For burgeoning entrepreneurs, taking a business concept from idea to market can be a daunting process. Understanding the significant connection of small businesses to  the local economy, The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) in the Gatton College of Business and Economics will launch the first-ever Spring Bootcamp 1.0 on Feb. 1. During the kickoff session, new ideas and projects will be vetted for acceptance into the Spring 1.0 Bootcamp program. The program is open to all UK students and non-UK community members. UK students can receive credit for participating in the program. Those with COVID-19 related solutions are highly encouraged to apply. 

According to VACE director Warren Nash, teams work through early business and revenue models, customer validation and refining pitches during the 14-week long intensive program. The collaborative, small-group atmosphere will give participants the opportunity to interact with local business leaders and other experts.

“It’s always very gratifying to witness these teams progress through the development of their ideas, as well as mature in their pitching skills and significantly increase the level of their overall business acumen,” said Nash.

In Spring 2020, VACE launched Bootcamp 2.0, an invitation-only group limited to the top 16 teams from the Fall Bootcamp. Teams are selected based on their overall performance during Bootcamp 1.0. Section criteria consisted of meeting bootcamp milestones and the team placement in Bootcamp finals.

For more information and to apply for Spring 2021 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0 by the Feb. 1 deadline, visit http://vace.uky.edu/bootcamp/bootcamp-application. Questions can be directed to Warren Nash at warren.nash@uky.edu.