From Idea to Action with the Lucas Center!
Episode 116 Recap: Turning Ideas Into Action with the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship
What does it really take to turn an idea into a successful business? In Episode 116 of Get ’N’ Your Business, host Alison Shores sits down with AJ Alston of the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship to talk about the resources available to entrepreneurs, small business owners, side hustlers, and nonprofit leaders right here in Camden County. AJ breaks entrepreneurship down simply: creative problem solving for a specific group of people. If you can identify a problem and create a solution people are willing to pay for, you may have the foundation of a viable business. But having the idea is only the beginning.
Through its partnership with the Camden County Chamber of Commerce and Joint Development Authority, the Lucas Center provides entrepreneurs with education, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, resources, and programs designed to meet people wherever they are in their business journey.
Key Highlights
Free one-on-one business coaching: Entrepreneurs can sit down with the Lucas Center team to work through ideas, numbers, challenges, growth strategies, or simply figure out their next move.
Idea Boot Camp: A one-day program for people who have an idea but aren't sure where to start. Participants test their concept, identify the problem they're solving, examine potential blind spots, and begin building a business plan.
Testing an idea can be just as valuable as launching it: The episode reveals that 52% of Idea Boot Camp participants go on to launch their business, while the other 48% may discover that the idea needs to change—or isn't worth pursuing—before investing years of time and money.
Idea Boot Camp Online: A self-guided online version is available for $75, making the program accessible beyond Coastal Georgia.
Accelerate: An eight-week program for established entrepreneurs who are ready to grow or scale. Participants meet once a week for two hours and finish with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition offering up to $15,000 in cash prizes and business services.
Accelerate Nonprofit: Nonprofit leaders receive specialized guidance on areas including operations, revenue, board development, marketing, and building a sustainable organization.
Succeed: Designed for side hustlers, growing ventures, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs moving from the idea stage toward a sustainable operation.
Entrepreneurs don't have to figure everything out alone: Whether you're launching your first idea, running your third company, growing a nonprofit, or feeling stuck after years in business, the Lucas Center can help determine the right next step.
Upcoming Programs
Accelerate and Accelerate Nonprofit – Camden County
Begins Friday, September 18, 2026
Succeed – Brunswick
Begins September 29, 2026
Accelerate Pitch Competition – Brunswick
November 19, 2026
Have an idea you've been thinking about? Already running a business but feeling stuck? Or trying to take your nonprofit or side hustle to the next level?
You don't have to figure it out alone.
Connect with the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship for coaching, upcoming programs, and resources designed to help you determine your next move.
Visit LucasCenter.com or LucasCenter.Eventbrite.com to explore upcoming programs and events.
You can also call or text AJ Alston at 912-254-7704.
Email: aj@lucascenter.com
Sometimes the smartest first step in business isn't launching—it's sitting down with someone who can help you make sure you're headed in the right direction.
