RISE29 | Rise 29

National Leader for Innovation

RISE29, East Carolina University’s student entrepreneurship program, is developing a national model for rural entrepreneurs with the goal of transforming eastern North Carolina through microenterprises, job development and existing business support. In fact, ECU has pledged to create the most student-led startups of any university in the state. RISE29 connects small business ideas with regional community need. Fueled by big data analytics, our student teams develop and launch microenterprises, strengthen existing businesses with long-term continuity plans, and commercialize new technology that enhances our region.

RISE 29 Internship

Help strengthen eastern N.C.’s rural economies
PAID student consulting internship
Receive a $3,000 stipend
In-person internships
15 weeks this fall, 20 hours per week

Learn more: rise29@ecu.edu

Apply by July 2, 2023!

Program Highlights

icon of eastern NC Partners with Beaufort, Hyde, Martin and Pitt counties with more to come.

Briefcase icon Creates new business enterprises and develops sustaining succession plans.

graph icon Fueled by big data analytics and matchmaking software.

group of people icon Part of ECU’s commitment to lead the state in university-supported student startups.

For Students

For Businesses

For Community Members

RISE29 Process

“The RISE29 process is unique because there are so many ways for student businesses to succeed. Whether it’s a student-led business idea, a new tech innovation, a community need, or a continuity plan for an already established business, RISE29 has a pathway for students.”

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RISE29 Resources

“ECU and Greenville have provided me all of the tools and support I need for my business to thrive. I can’t imagine a better place to start a business than in eastern North Carolina.”

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RISE29 Communities

“There is no better sight to a fellow Pirate than to see purple and gold in your own community. A project like this truly demonstrates the mutually beneficial relationship between eastern North Carolina and ECU.”

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RISE29 Support

“RISE29 cannot succeed on its own. A program this ambitious is truly a regional effort and needs to be nurtured not only by ECU, but by the communities it partners with.”

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