The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) has been a courageous venture, much like a new enterprise. In 1973, Dr. Sid Gautam (right), who was then chair of the Department of Economics and Business Administration at Methodist College, founded the CFE with a mission to help entrepreneurs as they explore new frontiers of opportunity while promoting, creating, and preserving wealth.

For the last 38 years, the CFE has recognized over 300 entrepreneurs: "movers and shakers" from all parts of North Carolina who believe in America's free market economy.

As a community resource for entrepreneurs, students, minorities, small business owners, and business people in Eastern North Carolina, the CFE provides educational experiences, networking opportunities, and recognition through business awards. All our programs reflect the depth and breadth of our dedication to help these people attain their goals and objectives of becoming the best and brightest in their fields.

PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

The Summer Boot Camp for Budding Entrepreneurs provides selected students the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship firsthand from the region's successful business leaders. It was designed to help students succeed in their goals of business ownership and leadership, while enlightening them of the business resources and opportunities available in their community. Started in Fayetteville in 2000, this program's outreach has expanded to the six surrounding counties.

The Quantum Leap Initiative program is designed to introduce students to the world of business while exposing them to the latest trends and developments throughout the world. It gives students monthly presentations on business, economics, and technology through weekly e-mail newsletters.

The Entrepreneurship Expo is an opportunity for marketing and entrepreneurship students to meet and network with various entrepreneurs. It is a collaborative effort between the MU Center for Entrepreneurship and the Cumberland County Schools Career and Technical Education Department. Companies and institutions such as Bank of America, Re/Max, The Logistics Company, Capital Bank, M. J. Soffe, Dupont, Riverside Mattress, and many others provide displays and exhibits for the expo.

PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

The Teachers Institute for Entrepreneurship was developed to expose high school teachers to the world of entrepreneurship and to develop within each teacher an "entrepreneurial spirit" and new ways to motivate and educate their students. Launched in Fayetteville, the program has now expanded to two other surrounding counties.

PROGRAMS FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Economic Outlook Symposium was first presented in 1974. The goal is to bring business and economic strategists to Fayetteville "to share knowledge with those who would use that knowledge to improve the region's economic climate." Past keynote speakers include the presidents, chief operating officers, marketing and managing directors, and investment officers of banks and financial institutions such as: Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Capital Bank, BB&T, Wachovia, and many others. Awards presented include: Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Business Person of the Year Award; and Greater Good Award.

The Stock Market Symposium is our first major event of each new year. It is much like the Economic Outlook Symposium, but the focus is on the stock market. Some of the past keynote speakers include the late Sir John Templeton, Dr. William Davidow, Mr. Erskin Bowles, Mr. Hugh McColl, and others. Awards presented include: American Business Ethics Award; Small Business Excellence Award; Silver Spoon Award; and Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Business Succession Forum Network was launched in 2000 to connect business owners with experts in the field of business succession. This program emphasized education and networking.

OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The Thank You Series was launched in 2002 to recognize an important company in the local community.

The Top Gun Seminars and Mentor Programs explore strategies and techniques for those looking to take their business to the top.

The Global Initiatives allow entrepreneurs, students, and business people to explore growth opportunities in the fast-changing global economy. Business trips provide valuable insights regarding cross-border opportunities for American companies, entrepreneurs, and investors. The CFE has organized the following business delegations to the following countries: India in 2008; Central America in 2009; China in 2010; and Asia in July 2011.