MARTINSVILLE, VA
June 26, 2024 – New College Institute (NCI) is excited to announce an innovative entrepreneurship boot camp for high school students this summer.
Scheduled for July 1-3, 2024, this intensive two-and-a-half-day event is part of Patrick & Henry Community College’s Summer Discovery Institute.
Leading the program are Jennifer Reis, a professor specializing in arts entrepreneurship and management at UNC-Greensboro, and Natalie Hodge, owner of Rudy’s Girl Media.
Together, they bring extensive experience in creative entrepreneurship and a shared commitment to revitalizing Uptown Martinsville.
"We are thrilled to mentor these talented young minds," said Natalie Hodge. "This boot camp isn't just about business skills; it's about empowering students to envision and shape a vibrant future for our community."
During the boot camp, participants will form six teams tasked with developing innovative business ideas for a vacant commercial space in Uptown Martinsville.
Over the first two days, they will refine their concepts, culminating in a pitch event on the third day before a panel of judges.
This panel includes local leaders, small business owners, and the owner of the vacant space.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, adding a competitive edge to this immersive learning experience.
"This boot camp offers students invaluable practical skills in business development while making a meaningful contribution to the future of Uptown Martinsville," said Jennifer Reis. "We're eager to see the creative ideas they bring to the table."
"NCI is committed to community transformation, and nurturing young entrepreneurs is integral to that mission," said Joe Sumner, Executive Director at NCI. "This initiative not only inspires and equips students but also fosters future economic growth and retention of young talent within our community."
The pitch event will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Martin-Lacy Lecture Hall in NCI’s Baldwin Building (191 Fayette Street).
Local media and the public are encouraged to attend and witness the innovative solutions presented by these aspiring young entrepreneurs.