OUR PROGRAMS

CentreWorks programs are designed to instill the entrepreneurial mindset and put it into practice experientially through programs that cover the entire entrepreneurial journey from collaboration and ideation through launch and operations.

FUEL

Collaboration and Ideation

PATHS is designed to be the first stop for startup founders, early stage and would be entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs can gain insight on regional programs and resources including CentreWorks programs to set their plans in motion.  PATHS consultants help make this part of the entrepreneurial journey efficient through appropriate recommendations and introductions. Consultations can be scheduled for virtual or in-person meetings.  

PATHS, the “front door to CentreWorks,” provides information on:

  • All CentreWorks programs & events
  • Business advisors
  • CentreWorks and regional courses
  • Banking
  • Legal
  • Accounting
  • Equity investment
  • Events 
  • Competitions
  • Collaboration opportunities
  • Clubs

» SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

 

Fusion will catalyze entrepreneurial and startup interest with regular community collaboration to cultivate the business startup and social benefit initiatives pipeline.  The Fusion program serves both those with commercial and social enterprise interests. Each FUSION Group will address a community area of interest. Several interest sectors have been identified as having potential for our seven-county community including fermentation, hemp, advanced manufacturing, the arts, technology, agriculture, and other champion-nominated subjects. Each FUSION Group will be led by a community champion and facilitated by CentreWorks to ensure that sessions promote discussion, enhance collaboration, build relationships, and encourage action.  Participants can expect opportunities for mentoring, team formation, collaboration, encouragement, new initiatives and new startups. Our CentreWorks inaugural FUSION Community Collaboration Group: Access to Fresh Food kicked off in October and is in progress. We are collecting and compiling empathy insights. If you would like to share your perspective regarding access to fresh food, please email julie@centreworks.org.

Program information coming soon.

This entrepreneurial bootcamp prepares incoming students to envision resilient communities in a post-pandemic world. Resilience is key to sustainable and thriving businesses, organizations, and communities. Using a speed design format, students will experience the Centre/Danville community through creative problem solving exercises alongside community champions.  Students will hone the entrepreneurial mindset promoted by the CentreWorks initiative, utilizing resources  to develop successful business practices and positively impact the broader community. Students will gain skills essential to entrepreneurship through  immersion in customer engagement, design thinking, and lean startup principles. Outcomes include startup businesses and pilot programs, along with support for area businesses, social enterprises and non-profits.

 

  • Envisioning resilient communities in a post-pandemic world
  • Open to incoming first-year students
  • Introduction to the “entrepreneurial mindset”
  • Speed design format for creative problem solving
  • Fostering early connections between students & community
PURSUIT brings the world to Danville. This is where the community turns for lifelong learning and community growth. Each PURSUIT program will be presented by a Community Champion sharing their global experiences to regional organizations and subject matter experts. Topics will vary based on community interest. The goal of PURSUIT is to foster a community by bringing people together who are interested in the pursuit of knowledge, stimulating dialogue, and lifting the community. Each PURSUIT Program will be conceived and led by a community champion. CentreWorks will provide a space, whether digital or physical, and our team will help facilitate and guide the program presentation. When applicable, CentreWorks will utilize its own Human Centered Approach to innovation. If you are a Community Champion with a topic that you think would interest and benefit the community please submit your program interest to Anthony Margida.

IGNITE

Education and Formulation

Have you been wondering if you could be an entrepreneur? Have you been thinking about starting your own business? Have you asked “How do I know if my idea is worth doing?” What is necessary to make it happen? What resources are available to assist and where can I get valuable consultation? CentreWorks can help you find the answers to these questions and more. CentreWorks is now accepting applications for its second LIFTOFF community for first-time entreprneurs and those curious about becoming an entrepreneur.  LIFTOFF is an experience-based learning program, the “how to” and “I wonder if” starters’ course. Ten weekly sessions – March 4 – May 6, 2021. LIFTOFF will instill in regional community members the entrepreneurial mindset. Participants will learn how to put the mindset into action to resolve complex problems, start new businesses, and contribute to the well being of their communities. This cohort-model experience can be centered on active development of participants’ own ideas or on those initiated through ideation exercises during the course.
  • Ideation
  • Design Thinking / systematic innovation
  • Business model canvas
  • Value proposition development and validation
  • Customer discovery
  • Legal foundations
  • Financial basics
  • Team formation / partnerships
  • VC / equity capital / debt financing

APPLY NOW

View Past LIFTOFF Communities

The CentreWorks MINDSET certification documents a student’s cumulative entrepreneurial experience while at Centre College. Qualifying students earn the credential by working in a variety of innovative entrepreneurial roles. Students will participate, learn, and facilitate programs within CentreWorks through a rotation process to earn their certification. 

Requirements include successful completion of five rotations semester/summer long rotations in the following CentreWorks programs.

  • FUSION Founders Circles
  • LIFTOFF Starters Course
  • FLIGHT Professional Mentoring
  • LIFT Community Elevation Series
  • LaunchTown™ Experience competitions
  • CentreWorking
  • PATHS Resource Discovery
  • RESILIENCE Bootcamp
  • CentreHack
  • INVEST Angel Network
  • CATALYST Executive Leadership
  • PURSUIT Knowledge Quest

LIFT skills enhancement defines community resilience — intentionally designed to address and elevate the community in real time. Lift is structured to elevate community skill sets led by community champions who bring meaningful workshops and learning experiences to CentreWorks. Options might include managing finances, board training, sustainability, and grant writing. Are you one of these champions? Applications will be evaluated for fit to CentreWorks mission and value to the community.  

Do you have skill to share to help build our community?  The CentreWorks leadership team awaits your proposal for an opportunity to support, facilitate and assist in resourcing your initiative.  

» APPLY HERE

 

Program information coming soon.

LAUNCH

Incorporation and Operation

With FLIGHT, Central Kentucky regional startups receive professional guidance from CentreWorks entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIR).  FLIGHT program membership accelerates startup progression from ideation through market entry.  Initially, FLIGHT assists entrepreneurs in startup assessment, visioning, and identification of gaps to success.  Then FLIGHT provides guidance, access to resources, and an expansive network to help entrepreneurs realize successful outcomes.

Experienced, professional guidance for CentreWorks startups: 

  • 1-on-1 custom mentorship
  • Entrepreneur-in-residence leadership 
  • Milepost guided process
  • Product development guidance
  • Market development guidance
  • Equity and debt funding direction
  • Accessible advising / office hours
  • Suites and co-working (optional)

» APPLY HERE

 

Program information coming soon.

Program information coming soon.

Program information coming soon.