CENTRAL WYOMING COLLEGE EARNS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

CWC’s Bootstrap Collaborative honored at Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers conference in Florida

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College has earned international recognition for its innovative approach to entrepreneurship education and economic development, receiving the Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Program Award in the small schools category at the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) conference in Tallahassee, Florida.

The award, presented Saturday, Oct. 17, recognizes CWC’s Bootstrap Collaborative for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting emerging businesses and creating economic opportunities in rural communities.

CWC President Brad Tyndall and Mike Hoyt, who leads the college’s Bootstrap Collaborative, are attending the conference, held Oct. 15-17 at Florida State University.

“This is an extraordinary honor for Central Wyoming College and a powerful recognition of what is possible when a rural community college thinks boldly about its role in economic development,” Tyndall says. “We’re demonstrating that innovation and entrepreneurship aren’t limited to large universities or major metropolitan areas. Some of the most exciting ideas and opportunities are emerging right here in Wyoming, where our students, entrepreneurs and community partners are building businesses and creating new possibilities for the future.”

The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers is an independent international organization that brings together entrepreneurship centers from colleges and universities around the world to share best practices, advance entrepreneurship education and recognize outstanding programs. Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is hosting this year’s conference.

Holly DeArmond, Executive Director of Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Center says the recognition highlights the importance of entrepreneurship programs that respond to the needs of their communities.

“The GCEC Awards recognize excellence in entrepreneurship education, particularly among colleges and universities leading the way in co-curricular and extracurricular programming,” says Holly DeArmond. “The Emerging Entrepreneurship Center Award is especially meaningful because it celebrates newer centers and programs that have made an impressive impact in just five years or less. We were delighted to recognize the Bootstrap Collaborative at Central Wyoming College because Mike and his colleagues are not only doing outstanding work in their local community but also making an impact on a global scale.” 

Through the Bootstrap Collaborative, Central Wyoming College connects aspiring entrepreneurs, students and community members with education, mentorship, resources and opportunities to develop ideas into viable businesses. The initiative emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and the importance of supporting entrepreneurship in rural and underserved communities.

“To receive this recognition from an organization representing entrepreneurship centers around the world is incredibly meaningful,” says Hoyt. “Bootstrap is built around the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere and that entrepreneurs in rural Wyoming deserve access to the same resources, expertise and opportunities available in larger communities. This award validates the work we’re doing and, more importantly, the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of the people we serve.”

The award also highlights the increasingly important role community colleges play in supporting business development, workforce preparation and economic diversification.

“For 60 years, Central Wyoming College has been committed to responding to the needs of the communities we serve,” says Tyndall. “Bootstrap represents the next generation of that commitment. We’re not simply preparing students for existing jobs. We’re helping people imagine, develop and create the businesses and opportunities that will shape Wyoming’s future.”

“This award belongs to the entrepreneurs, students, mentors, community partners and everyone who believes in what we’re building,” adds Hoyt. “It’s an exciting moment for Central Wyoming College, but we’re just getting started.”

CWC BUILDING ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP MOMENTUM WITH 2027 CONFERENCE

The international recognition comes as Central Wyoming College prepares for its third annual Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference (CWIE), scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 8-9, 2027, on the college’s Riverton campus.

Tickets are now on sale for the two-day conference, which will feature nationally recognized speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, students and innovators from across Wyoming and beyond.

Built around the theme Imagine. Inspire. Ignite., the conference continues CWC’s commitment to bringing new ideas, diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations to central Wyoming.

The 2027 featured speaker lineup includes:

• Jenny Evans — Resilience expert, bestselling author and keynote speaker who explores the science of stress, resilience and human performance.
• Johnny Cupcakes — Award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Johnny Cupcakes, known for his unconventional approach to branding, customer experience and building a loyal following.
• Muggsy Bogues — NBA legend and motivational speaker whose remarkable career demonstrates perseverance, determination and the power of overcoming obstacles.
• Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour — America’s first Black female combat pilot, former U.S. Marine and motivational speaker who challenges audiences to break barriers and lead with confidence.

Early-bird registration is available through Feb. 28, 2027, with single-day tickets priced at $100 and All Access passes at $175. Beginning March 1, single-day tickets increase to $125 and All Access passes to $225.