MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER
STONE CENTER
FEBRUARY 2025
Innovation at the Core
Here at the Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, we're thrilled to bring you the latest updates, exciting events, and community news This fall, we are introducing new and innovative programs and opportunities designed for both University of West Georgia students, faculty, and the broader West Georgia community Stay tuned for all the ways we’re working to support and inspire you all!
Coffee
and Conversation
Please join us for the launch of Coffee and Conversation. This program offers local entrepreneurs and business leaders a welcoming space to connect, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and sustainability. Each session features a guest speaker who shares their stories, insights, and actionable advice on how to achieve business success and overcome challenges.
The next session is Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Wayne Davis Concrete, featuring a panel with Richard Davis, President, and members of the Davis family. Since 1971, the company has grown into Northwest Georgia's leading privately held ready-mix supplier, with 19 plants, 150+ trucks, and 350 employees, all while maintaining its original family business philosophy.
FAMILY BUSINESS RETREAT
This summer, the Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation will host a full two-day retreat to celebrate and bring together leading family businesses within the West Georgia region and beyond The retreat will take place at the University of West Georgia Richards College of Business on July 23rd and 24th
This event is ideal for family business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to enhance their operations and growth It’s perfect for owners, executives, and senior management of family-owned businesses, particularly those in the growth stage, as well as consultants, advisors, and business students with an interest in family business and entrepreneurship Attendees will gain valuable insights, connect with industry peers, and learn strategies to drive business success
FAMILY BUSINESS ROUND TABLE
We are pleased to announce our April Family Business Round Table, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th. This virtual session will last one hour and is offered at no cost, providing a valuable opportunity for family business owners and key managers to engage with important topics that impact your organization
Our upcoming session will feature Brad Fisher from the Scalable Leadership Group, who will lead a discussion on the upcoming Family Business Retreat this summer.
We warmly invite you to join us for this informative discussion If you are interested in attending the round table on April 16th, please register using the link below. We look forward to connecting with you!
START UP BOOT CAMP
The Start-Up Boot Camp offers UWG students the resources, support, and guidance needed to develop and launch their business or social venture ideas This in-person, 10-week program will help participants identify and design scalable solutions to real-world problems
Taking place in Fall 2025, the program concludes with the Wolfden Pitch Competition at the UWG Campus Center, where students will compete for $5,000 in cash prizes Applications are open now, and interested students should submit their applications by Friday, April 11, 2025
Students can apply individually or as part of a team Virtual interviews will be held from April 2325, with finalists notified on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 The program is free for all current UWG students in good standing and is sponsored by the Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
WOLF-DEN PITCH COMPETITION
The Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation hosted a dynamic and highly successful Pitch Competition on November 14th This event brought together over 50 attendees, including community members, students, faculty, and staff, to celebrate the entrepreneurial talent within the University of West Georgia Six student entrepreneurs took to the stage to present their innovative business ideas, captivating the audience with their creativity, dedication, and vision The event was not only a platform for showcasing their ideas but also a celebration of collaboration and support within our growing entrepreneurial community
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting another pitch competition following the completion of our upcoming Start-Up Bootcamp We are excited to witness the innovative business ideas from our new entrepreneurs and encourage you to stay tuned for further details We invite you to join us in supporting our student entrepreneurs as they bring their visions to life
DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP
Our spring Design Thinking workshop for faculty and staff will take place on Friday, April 11th This day-long workshop will take place in the Richards College of Business and focus on the basics of Design Thinking, especially in the context of how it can be applied at all levels. Design Thinking is an experiential problem-solving tool. The workshop is free to faculty, staff, and graduate students. If you are interested in the workshop, please register by Monday, April 7th.
Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on the five pillars of Design Thinking and how to apply them effectively. This immersive experience will provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your problem-solving approach.
