The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program is coming to Holly Springs

Every business starts with an idea. Turning that idea into something sustainable requires a different way of thinking. That’s exactly what the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in Holly Springs is designed to help you develop. If you’re dreaming about launching your first business, growing a side hustle, leading a community project, or simply becoming a better problem solver, the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program offers practical lessons you can apply in everyday life.

Thanks to a grant from NC IDEA, LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS will soon offer this internationally recognized program through our Entrepreneur Center (eCenter). Even better, there will be no cost to participate, making it accessible to anyone who wants to grow their entrepreneurial skills and explore new opportunities.

Entrepreneurship is a mindset

Entrepreneurship is about recognizing opportunities where others see obstacles, learning how to solve problems, adapting when circumstances change, and taking action instead of waiting for the perfect moment. The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program was created to help people build an entrepreneurial mindset through real stories, practical activities, and hands-on learning.

What is the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program?

The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program was developed by the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) and is based on the book Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. Based on over a decade of research, each lesson contains video case studies featuring a variety of real-world “unlikely entrepreneurs” who have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset.

Throughout the program, you’ll explore eight fundamental concepts that successful entrepreneurs share. Instead of focusing on theory alone, the course introduces learners to real entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds who overcame challenges, identified opportunities, and built meaningful careers. The program encourages you to think differently about challenges and discover opportunities that may have been overlooked.

You’ll work through interactive lessons that combine:

• Video case studies
• Guided discussions
• Reflection exercises
• Opportunity discovery activities
• Practical projects based on real-world situations

Learn more about The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program:

What you’ll learn

By the end of the program, you’ll have developed skills that are valuable throughout your career and personal life:

• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset
• Recognize opportunities in everyday situations
• Strengthen creative thinking
• Solve problems with confidence
• Improve communication and collaboration
• Evaluate ideas before investing significant time or money
• Connect with entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support

Who should attend?

One of the strengths of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program is that it welcomes people at many different stages of their journey. You might benefit from the program if you are:

• Thinking about starting your first business
• Running a small business and looking for a fresh perspective
• Working on a side business while keeping your full-time job
• A student exploring future career options
• Looking to develop leadership and problem-solving skills
• Interested in making a positive impact within your community

You don’t need an existing business plan to participate; curiosity and a willingness to learn are enough.

Why LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS is bringing Ice House to Holly Springs

LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS exists to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed here in Holly Springs. The addition of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program reflects that mission by giving aspiring entrepreneurs access to world-class entrepreneurial education close to home.

As Katie Gailes from the LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS Board of Directors explains: “We believe that an entrepreneurial mindset holds the life and leadership skills of the future. Consistent with the eCenter’s Entrepreneurship for All mission, there will be no charge for those choosing to participate in the 8-week program.”

Partnering with NC IDEA is another way LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS is creating opportunities for local residents to gain practical knowledge, build confidence, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Join the waiting list

Registration details for the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program in Holly Springs will be announced soon. If you’d like to be among the first to know when applications open, join our email list today.

Complete the form below to receive updates about registration dates, program information, and upcoming announcements from LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS.

About NC IDEA

NC IDEA is an independent, private nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping North Carolinians pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Since 2006, NC IDEA has invested more than $26 million through grants and programs that strengthen North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their support helps organizations like LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS expand access to high-quality entrepreneurship education throughout the state.