Helping founders find community and connections
A curated program designed to move companies with a high-growth, scalable model from initial product to successfully raising seed capital with their business. Established in 2016, Black Founders Exchange — hosted by American Underground — provides rich hands-on training, meaningful connections, and supportive community to help Black-led startups grow.
The Aspire Entrepreneurship Certification Program (AECP) is a 16-week program that provides training specific to aspiring and early-stage Black entrepreneurs in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Learn more →Modeled on the pillars that made Durham's original Black Wall Street successful, with the goal of continuing the legacy of catalyzing Black business owners and champions.
Learn more →A virtual regional incubator for companies owned by minorities and women in underserved counties of North Carolina.
Learn more →A Nine-Week Small Business Educational Program. Hub for Inclusivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (HIIVE) program is a small business resource hub focused on providing educational curriculum and operating space opportunities to food and retail businesses. HIIVE intends to bolster small business skills as well as provide practical insights, networking opportunities, and real-world experiences. The resource hub will prioritize supporting small businesses owned by people of color, women, and/or veterans with the aspiration of successfully operating in Center City’s unique business environment.
Learn more →4-month small-group cohort program designed specifically for busy entrepreneurs who want to adopt technology, improve efficiency, and expand their market reach. This hybrid experience blends in-person, virtual, and asynchronous learning to provide maximum flexibility while delivering hands-on support. Through expert coaching, real-world business experimentation, and structured guidance, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies, a $3,000 award towards the implementation of a technology solution for your business, and 20 E3 Durham Learn-to-Earn credits!
Learn more →Realize your business potential. ScaleUp provides intensive growth strategy development and implementation assistance to cohorts of Western North Carolina small businesses with strong potential for growth.
Learn more →The program is dedicated to fostering the growth of small businesses, with a special emphasis on supporting founders searching for their scalable, repeatable business model. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, our 10 week accelerator offers workshops and mentoring in marketing and sales, designed to enhance your business. Each company will also have a team of student interns who will help you along the way while gaining invaluable professional experience.
Learn more →The Come Up Accelerator is an industry-agnostic startup accelerator for Black and Brown founders. New Ventures has partnered with HUSTLE to bring in investors, subject matter experts, and mentors who know what it’s like to build a company as a minority.
Learn more →Business Lessons in Sustainability and Scaling program is a transformative 10-class program designed to equip small business owners with the strategic tools, industry insights, and expert mentorship necessary for long term success.
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