Mike Bradshaw is the first entrepreneur-in-residence in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
photo by Angela Foster/UTC
Over the past year, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga entrepreneur-in-residence Mike Bradshaw has laid the groundwork for an innovative entrepreneurship program intended to alleviate poverty and increase wealth-building among the economically and socially underrepresented within Chattanooga’s urban core.
The philosophy behind Urban Vision Initiative is that “anyone can be an entrepreneur and that entrepreneurship can be a pathway out of poverty,” Mr. Bradshaw said.
"Approximately 18 percent of Chattanoogans live in poverty, with many starting their own businesses to provide life-sustaining income," officials said.
"UVI will provide these entrepreneurs with instruction and mentoring to help them grow their businesses and achieve profitability as quickly as possible."
As program facilitator, Mr. Bradshaw will match entrepreneurs with the program, introduce and pair UTC student consultants with these entrepreneurs, blend in community mentors and incorporate the knowledge and expertise of University faculty and staff.
UVI is collaborating with numerous local partners, most notably LAUNCH Chattanooga, Tech Goes Home, The Company Lab, La Paz, Pathway Lending, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union and the City of Chattanooga.
With a mission of fostering and creating 100 sustainable new ventures over the next five years, UVI is ready to launch.
“Our first cohort is ready to start in the fall and it’s all very exciting,” Mr. Bradshaw said.