The Western Carolina University College of Business is establishing a new, for-profit limited liability company designed to provide entrepreneurial business, scientific and technical services to help spur economic development activity in Western North Carolina.

The new LLC will replace WCU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which was created in 2007 to serve as a catalyst for the creation of successful entrepreneurial ventures in WNC while providing hands-on learning experiences for WCU students.

The company will increase the potential to generate revenue from professional and consultative services provided by faculty and staff; provide broader access to financing necessary for product development, business expansion and technology transfer; and enhance the potential to generate revenue for internships and other forms of student financial aid.

Once the for-profit entity is fully established, university officials will identify a manager to run its day-to-day operations. Ed Wright, director of the CEI, will be entity’s faculty contact.

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