NACCE Board Retreat in Knoxville Sparks Inspiration and Collaboration

The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) recently gathered in Knoxville, TN, for an energizing Board retreat graciously hosted by Roane State Community College.

Highlights included a Knoxville Smokies baseball game in their brand-new downtown stadium, engaging strategy sessions, and thought-provoking discussions with entrepreneurial leaders at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center: Stephen W. Williams (TSBDC), David Murray (Statherós®), Brandon Bruce (Serial Entrepreneur), and Kimberly Black (Trusted Field Services).

Board members also toured the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, gaining insight into next-gen manufacturing, and visited the Knox Regional Health Science Education & Simulation Center, where Victoria Battershell showcased cutting-edge clinical training and interdisciplinary learning.



Special thanks to our dedicated Board members and to Teresa Duncan and Amy Bouvier for organizing a truly memorable experience.

NACCE Membership Benefits

August 9, 2025, 2 p.m. ET

How Do Underdogs Win?

Sept. 11, 2025, 3 p.m. ET

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Sept. 24, 2025, 3 p.m. ET

Empowering Student Success

Oct. 21, 2025, 3 p.m. ET

How to Make Every Employee a Superstar Performer

Oct. 29, 2025, 1 p.m. ET

Unlocking the Power of Apprenticeships for Community Colleges

Sept. 11, 2025, 3 p.m. ET

Click here to register for any of these free webinars now!

Shop NACCE Marketplace Online Anytime

As we gear up for the 2025 NACCE Annual Conference, we’re excited to share that you can now shop the NACCE Marketplace online!

The Marketplace features a wide variety of clothing and accessories designed with our entrepreneurial community in mind. From comfortable casual wear to professional pieces perfect for conferences and campus life, there’s something for everyone.

All items are available exclusively through the NACCE Marketplace online—making it easy to browse, shop, and show your NACCE pride anytime.

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference and spotting plenty of NACCE gear along the way!

Find out more.

Smooth Sailing into NACCE 2025: Yacht Rock, Exhibitors & More!

Attendees heading to the 2025 NACCE Annual Conference in Coronado, CA, October 5–8 are in for more than just incredible learning and networking opportunities—this year’s event brings smooth vibes, exciting prizes, and unforgettable experiences.

🌊 Ahoy, Smooth Sailor!

On Monday night of the conference, we’re dropping anchor for the Yacht Rock Reception—an evening of breezy beats, boat drinks, and smooth vibes so slick you’ll swear you’ve set sail off the coast of Malibu.

🎶 What’s Yacht Rock?

It’s the soft rock soundtrack of legends like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and Toto—the silky-smooth jams that make you want to sip a piña colada under a neon sunset.

👔 Dress Code: Captain Chic. Think white pants, boat shoes, pastel polos, big sunglasses, and of course… captain’s hats. The smoother, the better!

But that’s not all—this year’s conference also brings a chance to win $250 toward your next NACCE event or training!



💳 How to Enter:

• Scan the QR code at each Exhibitor table
• Click Submit
• The more Exhibitors you visit, the more chances you have to WIN!

So get ready to learn, connect, dance, and sail into NACCE 2025 in true entrepreneurial style. Coronado, here we come!

Step by Step: Your Path to $25K in Funding

Learn how to submit a winning E-Team Program application by September 30. Here’s your step-by-step guide to applying:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Teams must be student-led (2+ students, undergraduate or graduate).
• Project must be a science- or engineering-based innovation, with a path to commercialization.

Step 2: Secure Institutional Support

Before submitting final application, teams must identify and confirm three key supporters—our system will send them a verification email.

• Principal Investigator (PI): A faculty member who will advise and oversee your team.
• Administrative Contact (AC): A university grants officer who will handle funds.
• Department Chair (DC): A university official who verifies institutional support.

📢 Start this process early! Institutional approvals can take time.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Submissions must include:

• Proposal Narrative (maxium 5 pages): Explain your innovation, market potential, and team.
• Letter(s) of Support: At least one is required (up to three recommended).
• Resumes: For key team members (2-page max per resume).
• Optional Appendices: Supporting data, prototype images, market research, or pitch decks.

💡 Pro tip from successful alumni: Teams like Ultropia spent extra time on customer discovery; it helped them pivot to their winning market.

Step 4: Submit by September 30, 2025

• Submit via the VentureWell online portal by 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Applications will be reviewed, and selected teams will be notified within 60 days.

Why Apply?

• Up to $25,000 grant to support your innovation.
• Hands-on entrepreneurship training to help bring your idea to market.
• Access to a national network of mentors, investors, and resources.

Apply Now!

Master Class: Blueprint for Growth: Marketing, Revenue & Philanthropy for Colleges

Launching this fall, a 6-part professional development series is designed to help colleges strategically grow enrollment, boost revenue, and strengthen fundraising. Led by experienced higher education professionals, the sessions cover essential topics including annual marketing and sales planning, digital outreach, customized training revenue, and philanthropic communication. Kicking off on September 16 with “Your 1-Year Marketing Plan,” each session offers actionable insights tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities community colleges face. The series runs through October 2 and is ideal for college leaders looking to achieve impactful, sustainable growth with limited resources. Find out more here.

SkillPointe Corner

Welcome to the SkillPointe Corner



Back-to-School with SkillPointe. SkillPointe offers a range of resources for entrepreneurship in the skilled trades, ready to integrate into your classes.

Our robust yet 2-minute Quiz tool connects your interests with 20+ career options that can be transformed into entrepreneurial ventures. One exciting new feature is Ventra, our AI tool to help you start your own business (SYOB).

Our AI Career Coach, Jeremy, enables users to explore 75+ career pathways. With Jeremy, you can access information on salaries, licensing, certification, and local training opportunities.

Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, SkillPointe is here to support you. Our resources are suitable for all experience levels (e.g., K-12, Middle and High School, and College). As we gear up for a new school year, now is the perfect time to explore what SkillPointe has to offer.



We are always interested in new ideas and suggested stories. Please send them to logan@nacce.com with the subject “The SkillPointe Corner.”  

Call for Articles: Fall Issue

We are just starting work on the next issue of Community College Entrepreneurship and invite you to contribute an article or news item about what you are doing at your college in the entrepreneurship education space. If you have an idea for an article about best practices, innovation, workforce development, or student success, please consider submitting an article!

The “What Are You Reading?” section includes brief reviews from readers about their favorite books on entrepreneurship. “Member News” highlights news about individual colleges and their work in strengthening local communities through entrepreneurial initiatives.

The deadline to submit material is Monday, September 15. Please forward all submissions to NACCE editor Carol Savage at editor@nacce.com. 

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