News & Events: Quick Links

Applications Open - 2nd Annual "Wildy Possible" Virtual Startup Contest - Apply here
Fall 2021 Entrepreneurs Bootcamp 1.0 Enrollment - Apply here
Join Salesforce Club - Apply here
Across the country, small businesses and entrepreneurs are still facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, innovations and solutions are continuously being proposed and developed.

The University of Kentucky is proud to announce an opportunity for your startup idea or company: The 2nd Annual "Wildly Possible" Virtual StartUp Contest. The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), in collaboration with The Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise (ISFE), is hosting the contest on Friday, July 23rd.

This contest is open to any Kentucky entrepreneur!

This means any student, graduate, individual with an idea, or currently registered company located in the state. Companies and/or ideas are not limited to solutions around the pandemic, but could be. Total prize money for this contest is $15,000.

Companies and individuals from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to apply. Winners from the previous year are not eligible to compete. Click here to read about the winning startups from 2020. All applicants must register with their intent to compete, and a full application will be emailed to you.

Companies or individuals that have already raised more than $50,000 in equity will not qualify for this contest. The Top 5 applicants will be selected as finalists to compete via Zoom on Friday, July 23rd from 10:00am-5:00pm EST. No modifications or exceptions will be made for any applicant that cannot present during this window. No companies/ideas outside the state of Kentucky will be eligible.

Key Deadlines
April 16 (Fri) – applications open*
July 1 (Fri) – applications close 5pm EST
July 16 (Fri) – Top 5 Finalists announced**
July 23 (Fri) – Virtual StartUp Contest Pitches (10:00am-5:00pm EST)
July 30 (Fri) – Winners Announced

*Winners from the previous year are not eligible to compete.

**All teams that did not make it into the Top 5 will be notified via email. All finalists must confirm their commitment to pitch no later than 5pm on Monday, July 19th. Any finalist that does not confirm their participation will be eliminated from the Top 5, and the next highest scoring applicant will be contacted.

If you have questions, please email Christine Wildes at christine.wildes@uky.edu
Bootcamp Enrollment open through August 31st!

The University of Kentucky welcomes you to Entrepreneurs Bootcamp: a program for creative and collaborative entrepreneurial learning, growth, and innovation.

What is the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp?
The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship is home to the highly successful "Entrepreneurs Bootcamp Program" – a one-semester program designed to assess and validate the feasibility of a business concept, create a business model, and provide hands-on experience with real-world projects. With a schedule of programs created to foster collaboration among UK students, faculty, clinicians, postdocs, and community mentors/entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp is open to those interested in immersive learning.

Who can participate in Bootcamp?
The program is open to any entrepreneur in Kentucky. This means - students, staff, faculty, and the community. The program is free to anyone participating. Current students at The University of Kentucky can enroll for academic credit if desired (note that tuition rates would apply). 

To learn more, or schedule an appointment, please contact Warren Nash: warren.nash@uky.edu
Salesforce Club Member Benefits
  • Free Salesforce Training through Trailhead specified to your career interest (Administrator, Business Analyst, Developer, Marketing, or Sales)
  • Networking events with Salesforce professionals
  • Huge opportunity to build your resume and business skillset
  • Internship & Job opportunities with UK and local companies (Paid, For Credit, Hybrid)
Become an Entrepreneurial Mentor or Kentucky Angel Investor!

Ever wanted to invest in, coach, or advise a startup or budding entrepreneur? Contact Warren Nash, warren.nash@uky.edu, for more information and get involved in the University of Kentucky's startup universe and Kentucky Angel virtual network.
Click here to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Watch videos from Salesforce Club, and video series, Entrepreneur "Marching Forward," where entrepreneurs discuss their experiences in the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp, lessons learned, and where they are now. Other videos include various Lunch & Learn workshops! Listen to guest speakers on topics related to startups and entrepreneurship.