Skill Spring

Our Philosophy

Entrepreneurial mindset is a lifelong skill! It is the ability to see opportunities where others see none, to be creative in the face of adversity, and to persist when others have given up. This mindset is helpful in business and all aspects of life. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset can think outside the box, develop new and innovative solutions to problems, and take risks when others would play it safe. This thinking can be applied to any situation in business, relationships, or personal endeavors. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset are not afraid to fail; instead, they see failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success. So, if you want to be successful in whatever you do, start developing an entrepreneurial mindset today!

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower learners of all ages through innovative entrepreneurial educational programs and solutions. We believe that quality entrepreneurial education should be accessible to everyone, and we strive to create engaging learning experiences that foster lifelong personal growth.

Our Vision

We envision a future in which every resident of rural Southeastern North Carolina possesses an entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

Our Values

We value innovation, inclusivity, impact, empowerment, and excellence.

INNOVATION: We encourage experimentation.

INCLUSIVITY: We believe everyone has entrepreneurial potential.

IMPACT: We prioritize solutions that create lasting positive change.

EMPOWERMENT: We believe in building capability, not dependency.

EXCELLENCE: We deliver high-quality education and training.

Our Programs

Rural Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program (May 2025)

This program is for all residents in Southeastern North Carolina. It seeks to boost rural economies through entrepreneurship education and training. The program is anchored by The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Program. This flagship program provides a proven framework for igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in classrooms and communities. Additionally, participants can assess their "entrepreneurial mindset" with the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile® (EMP). EMP is a cutting-edge assessment tool that examines the skills and capabilities needed for this mindset. We’re planning two eight-week classes that meet weekly (1x in person, 1x online per week) in Wallace and Kenansville.

Small Business Conception-Inception Program (June 2025)

This program allows aspiring entrepreneurs in Southeastern North Carolina without business experience to develop their ideas from conception to inception. The program is framed on the world-class Kauffman FastTrac® program, which teaches aspiring, early-stage entrepreneurs how to launch their businesses. Additionally, participants can assess their "entrepreneurial mindset" with the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile® (EMP). EMP is a cutting-edge assessment tool that examines the skills and capabilities needed for this mindset. We’re planning two eight-week classes that meet weekly (1x in person, 1x online per week) in Wallace and Kenansville.

Micro-credential Durable Skills Program (June 2025)

This program is for all residents in Southeastern North Carolina to earn micro-credentials based on Educational Design Labs (EDL) Durable Skills Micro-credentials. EDL has designed nine micro-credentials that transform how learners recognize, activate, and display in-demand skills.

AI for ALL Program (September 2025)

This program is for all residents of Southeastern North Carolina who want to incorporate AI into their lives. It consists of hands-on training on co-producing with AI. More details soon!

Youth Entrepreneurship Program (May 2026)

This program is for high school students (ages 14-18) in Southeastern North Carolina. It teaches basic entrepreneurial skills, business idea generation, and leadership. The program includes workshops on creativity and innovation, financial literacy and budgeting basics, mini-business competitions, pitch contests, and mentorship. More details soon!