Course Detail: NCCEDINNOV - Innovation and Entrepreneurship in North Carolina

Course description:

Innovation and entrepreneurship is the backbone of the economy in the United States. This session will explore the importance of entrepreneurial development as an economic development strategy, provide examples of successful entrepreneurial ecosystem development in rural and urban areas, and create innovation and entrepreneurial support strategies through interactive workshops. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation for innovation and entrepreneurship as a tool for community growth and practical implementation strategies for development. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the importance of entrepreneurship and small business in an economic development strategy.

2. Be able to use "entrepreneurial ecosystems building elements" as framework for economic development.

3. Be able to apply entrepreneurial support strategies to enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

4. Recognize differences in rural and urban entrepreneurial development strategies.

Assessment

Assessment will be conducted through a final case study. The case study and case presentation requires small groups to employ economic development strategies in a rural and urban setting. Case presentations are assessed by the instructor and guest professionals.


Presented by: David Mayo

David Mayo is a faculty member teaching in the field of entrepreneurship and the Director of the Crisp Small Business Resource Center in the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University.  He is a graduate of NC State University with a major in marketing as well as a graduate of East Carolina University with a MBA.  David began his professional career by managing property around the Greenville North Carolina area, and trading stocks professionally.  After finishing the MBA program at ECU, David worked as the manager of product development for a Raleigh NC based startup that focused on network security.  David later worked as a consultant at the Small Business and Technology Development Center where he helped over 400entrepreneurs raise $30,000,000 in debt and equity financing and increase sales by nearly $40,000,000.  While a consultant he also launched two new businesses, a global manufacturing company that makes products for the watersports industry and a web-based contractor placement service to connect small businesses with website and application development specialists.  


North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program

The ECU Economic Development Academy offers the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program for economic development personnel, elected officials, business leader and others interested in the field of economic development.

Offered in partnership with Academic Outreach, Continuing and Distance Education, the program provides practical knowledge concerning the practice of economic development in the State of North Carolina.

Certification requirements include completion of seven (7) courses and a capstone project.
  • Data & Analytics for Economic Developers in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • Organization, Operation, and Strategy for Economic Developers in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • Legal Framework for Economic Developers in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • Retention and Expansion in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • Attraction in North Carolina (10 hours)
  • IEDC Basic Course - offered by UNC School of Government (24 hours)

While successfully completing the course of study will lead to the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation, selected courses may be taken as desired without formal matriculation in the certification program.

Available Sessions - Click on Date/Location