CCGA's Lucas Center to become stand-alone nonprofit

A College of Coastal Georgia center for promoting entrepreneurship in the Golden Isles will become a stand-alone nonprofit.

The college announced Thursday that the Art and Lindee Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship will transition from a college-affiliated initiative to an independent organization focused on expanding the support it offers to entrepreneurs throughout Coastal Georgia.

“This is exactly what the Lucas Center was designed to do — inspire, equip and empower entrepreneurs,” CCGA President Johnny Evans Jr. said. “We’re proud to have been the launching pad for the center and remain committed to supporting their success as they grow. We’ll continue to host pitch competitions and collaborate in ways that help our student entrepreneurs thrive.”

The center was established at College of Coastal Georgia to cultivate entrepreneurial talent and help launch new ventures, the college said in its announcement. To date, the Lucas Center has served more than 950 entrepreneurs.

Its signature Idea Bootcamp was recognized among the top five programs globally for community engagement and more than 50% of its participants go on to launch new businesses.

“Lindee and I are thrilled to see the Lucas Center step boldly into this next phase,” Art Lucas said. “From the beginning, our vision was to spark opportunity and help people turn their ideas into reality. Becoming an independent nonprofit expands the center’s reach and impact in ways we always hoped for. We’re excited to see what the future holds for entrepreneurs across Coastal Georgia.”

The college said in its statement that it will remain united in the mission of the Lucas Center and will continue to offer support as the center becomes its own nonprofit organization.