N.C. University to Debut Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub

Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C., recently announced that it will open a new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub aimed at connecting learning communities with businesses to reimagine and invigorate the workforce. The facility is the first of its kind in the region and is supported by investments from both the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Housed in a 6,500-square-foot space that formerly served as the university's bookstore, the hub will feature open workspaces for students and community members, conference rooms, technology resources such as laptops and 3D printers, faculty consultations, business skills workshops, entrepreneurial summits, experiential learning opportunities for students and more, FSU explained in a news announcement. The university expects the hub to generate at least 30 new jobs or business within two years.

"Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of our new economy," said Fayetteville city Mayor Mitch Colvin, in a statement. "The City of Fayetteville now has a centrally located one-stop-shop for small businesses to get the support they need. We are stronger together and are excited to partner with FSU to strengthen our workforce in an innovative way."

"FSU has embarked upon a new era of grooming business leaders of tomorrow with our state-of-the art Innovation Hub," said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. "We are thankful to the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County for supporting this vision and investing in the future economic engine."

"The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub represents our commitment to be a resource to the city, county and region," added Wesley Fountain, associate vice chancellor for Community Relations and Economic Partnerships at the university.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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