PHASE I, II & III PROGRAMS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION:

Wyoming’s ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation is confusing and complicated to most aspiring entrepreneurs, as a result, the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will bring awareness and connectivity to existing resources and organizations, as well as develop new channels for entrepreneurs. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will serve as an interdisciplinary integrator for programs supporting the state’s priority economic sectors, in addition to activating new business sectors and supporting state workforce objectives to deliver necessary infrastructure and support for statewide expansion of entrepreneurship.

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MAKERSPACE:

Makerspaces provide a critical opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs to access emergent technology and fabrication tools that may be otherwise inaccessible due to cost, size, ventilation, power, or other factors. They can provide venues for a highly inclusive, energetic, accessible environment where makers from all technical levels, abilities, ages, and backgrounds can bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the innovative design process.

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INNOVATION WORKSHOPS AND CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT:

Wyoming has always been fertile ground for entrepreneurs that want to build an organization and remain living in Wyoming. There has been very limited education or resources to support entrepreneurs in a way that supports a higher level of long-term success. This project involves building a comprehensive regional entrepreneurial ecosystem to inspire and support start-up companies and advance existing companies through innovation.

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CREATIVE ECONOMY:

Wyoming’s creative arts are a critical, but often overlooked portion of the state’s economy. This programming will create a series of workshops and start-up competitions focused on sustainable careers and businesses in the creative arts that fuel tourism, culminating in the development of a centralized "hub" of Wyoming’s creative economy resources. It will also utilize and build on the successes of existing partnerships.

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PHASE I KEY METRICS

The Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) plays a crucial role in navigating the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation within the state. Recognizing the perplexity faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a key component of WIP, is dedicated to enhancing awareness and connectivity among existing resources and organizations by establishing and fostering collaboration and spearheading programs aligned with the state's economic priorities.

Wyoming already boasts an impressive 76.5% success rate for startups remaining active after one year. WIP fortifies support for the existing workforce and champions the development of new business sectors. In Phase I, this initiative has resulted in four innovative programs, including a career and technical education (CTE) program, a certificate program, an associate's degree program, and a bachelor's degree program, showcasing a commitment to comprehensive and diverse educational pathways for future entrepreneurs within the state.

PHASE II KEY METRICS

Entrepreneurship is a vital component of Wyoming’s economy. The WIP serves as a vital force in guiding entrepreneurship and innovation across Wyoming by providing support for both the existing workforce and fostering new business sectors. Several new and continuing programs are benefitting from the WIP’s commitment to diverse educational pathways for future entrepreneurs statewide.

PHASE III KEY METRICS

Entrepreneurship is a vital driver of Wyoming’s economy, and communities across the state are gaining new opportunities to innovate and grow through WIP efforts. At the University of Wyoming, initiatives like the Venture MBA, Entrepreneur-in-Residence activities, and the Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program are strengthening business education and connecting students and start-ups with world-class expertise. The Creative Economy project is fueling Wyoming’s artistic sector through workshops, competitions, and seed funding, while makerspaces are expanding access to technology, innovation, and hands-on learning from Sheridan to Laramie. At Central Wyoming College, the Bootstrap Collaborative Center for Innovation has already supported more than 270 entrepreneurs and 35 new businesses, while the new Business Studio at LCCC is helping local innovators turn ideas into sustainable companies. With additional efforts like statewide ecosystem mapping, WIP is bringing greater visibility and coordination to Wyoming’s entrepreneurial resources.