Helping founders find community and connections
Provides free mentoring services with a diverse group of experts, meet and greet events and funding opportunities. We love fresh ideas that move the world forward and we are also committed to your individual development. It is our mission to help student ventures succeed and foster a community that gives all UNC students an opportunity to build skills through innovation and entrepreneurship that transfer to any career field.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
12-week cohort based accelerator program, developed by Triangle ArtWorks, with a goal to provide deep and focused learning, mentoring, and support leaders need to take their organizations to the next level. Participants attend group sessions and receive one-on-one coaching on topics such as leadership, organizational development, board development, financial management, and fundraising. This program also allows for networking, alliance building, and development of new best practices in a supportive environment.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Triangle Artworks
We provide up to 42 months of intense, inspiring and stage appropriate support for our startups. Our expert mentors and industry veterans will provide you with the guidance and coaching you need move from product validation to market expansion.
Accelerator
in
Greensboro
Winston Starts
Alpine is designed for business owners with at least one year of experience who are at a pivotal moment in their journey. Are you considering expansion, growth, or scaling? Thinking about trying a new business model because the current one isn’t quite working? Or perhaps you’re exploring ways to adjust or add products and services? If you’re at a crossroads and ready for change, this course is for you!
Training/Course
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
The purpose of the Accelerator is to give NC State founders the opportunity to jumpstart their entrepreneurial journey. We provide founders with the funding, resources, and guidance to grow their company. During our 12-week summer program, NC State startup founders get to work on their concepts and build their companies. The program is composed of modules that steer companies in the right direction.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Entrepreneurship Clinic
By participating in this cohort, new Executive Directors will 1) gain a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the arts nonprofit sector in North Carolina, 2) receive tailored arts professional development training in organizational management and board training, 3) network with peer leaders and senior leaders from pivotal arts organizations statewide.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Triangle Artworks
Professional development designed to serve artists and arts administrators in all arts disciplines and stages of career development. This program includes workshops and training for artists, art businesses and nonprofits in topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, business development, accounting, legal issues, as well as networking and other peer support events help our region’s art sector to thrive.
Training/Course
in
Raleigh
Triangle Artworks
Located in a unique biotech co-working facility in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Our aim is to attract the most ambitious startup companies in life sciences. This premium open lab space and office space favors collaboration. The lab is equipped with top-of-the-line research equipment, with additional services to help resident companies reach their milestones faster.
Incubator
in
Durham
Biolabs North Carolina
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.
Accelerator
in
Durham
American Underground
Participants will undergo a 12 week course with classes on fundamental business knowledge. They will be connected with a local business leader as a mentor, plus receive one-on-one counseling with the PCC SBC. Upon graduation, participants will receive a Winterville Chamber Membership, and where applicable and possible, receive assistance with grant funding.
Accelerator
in
Greenville
Winterville Chamber of Commerce
Business courses are designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the free enterprise system. Students will be provided with a fundamental knowledge of business functions, processes, and an understanding of business organizations in today’s global economy. Courses include various business concepts such as accounting, business law, management, customer service, and marketing.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Durham
Durham Tech
The purpose of the Business Incubation program is to create an atmosphere that encourages the development of businesses that promise a public or private good, have the potential to create single or multiple additional jobs and contribute to the economic development of the region once formally established. Multiple types of space are available to both startup and existing businesses.
Incubator
in
Statewide
ABTech Business College
Our team of Business Solutions Officers work one-on-one with entrepreneurs to assess their business, provide hands-on technical assistance, and help small business owners evaluate their capital needs to recommend the best financing solutions for them. Our team brings to bear decades of business development experience and a host of connections with regional and statewide resource providers.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
First Flight Venture Center’s Captain’s Circle brings together small groups of non-competing entrepreneurs for monthly private discussions with peers, led by a professional facilitator. Structured topics designed to solve problems and share best practices include finance, investments, employee relations, legal considerations, operations, scalability, marketing, and sales.
Community/Networking
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
Mountain BizWorks has launched a new inclusive entrepreneurship program to provide ongoing business and leadership skills-development for diverse entrepreneurs. Over the course of 12 months, you will meet regularly for two hours with a peer group of fellow business owners, all led by a facilitator. During this time, you will navigate through business challenges using the collective intelligence of others by contributing wisdom, encouragement and accountability towards your goals for the purpose of achieving better results in your business.
Accelerator
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
Focus on moving minority entrepreneurs and businesses forward, leveraging tools and relationships across our organization. As the Institute’s consulting arm, identifies opportunities and develops collaborations between internal and external partners with the goal of fostering strategic alliances that provide economic prosperity for diverse populations.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
Through the Chatham Spark Program, you will develop a business plan, which is a roadmap for your business; gain insight for financing and banking options; understand legal references; and overcome your fear of bookkeeping and taxes. All this and many other details that are required to make your new business a success.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center
Community advisors who work with entrepreneurs with high growth innovative ventures. Through team-based mentoring, entrepreneurs tap into deep expertise to enable them to meet their next growth milestone. The CIE Mentor Program is available to both UNCW- and community-based startup ventures.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Wilmington
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Through the CII, urbanCORE staff first facilitate discussions among corridor residents to identify a solution to a long-standing problem. They then bring together an interdisciplinary group of researchers from UNC Charlotte and a group of community leaders to make the proposed solution a reality. The prominent staff role in the initial phase makes this method unique. Through the corridor projects, community and campus stakeholders establish partnerships based on reciprocity and design economically viable and sustainable solutions that corridor residents can own.
IncubatorCoaching/Consulting
in
Charlotte
urbanCORE
The Office of Research Commercialization (ORC) offers creative service support opportunities to assist NC State research-based startups in creating a logo, producing branded materials, and launching a website. This service is available to all newly created startup companies that license university intellectual property.
Service
in
Buies Creek
NC State University
By participating in our initiatives, students and faculty gain access to a network of mentors, cutting-edge technologies, and a plethora of resources to amplify their creative endeavors and expand their digital footprint. With its strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, Creator Lab is designed to cultivate a culture of exploration, experimentation, and collaboration.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Durham
Duke - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial resource hub of eastern North Carolina (ENC) and serves a 29-county region. We provide resources to help launch and sustain small businesses and foster sustainable economic development.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Hillsborough
East Carolina University College of Business
This DRIVe (Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures) initiative is part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). DRIVe’s mission is transforming Health Security by accelerating the research, development, and availability of transformative countermeasures to protect Americans from natural and intentional health security threats.
Accelerator
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
You'll learn from prominent guest speakers including founders and leaders from many of the country’s most innovative companies, while co-programming activities will connect you with representatives from startups and established firms headquartered in the Bay Area. Together with lectures, case studies, and simulations, these experiences will give you an in-depth understanding of how new enterprises are formed, inspiring you as you work with teammates to create and pitch your own venture.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Duke - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This four-week accelerator will help you: go from the foundation of an idea to generating real traction, prepare your startup to scale, overcome challenges along the startup journey through personalized coaching and mentorship. Additionally, all accelerator participants will get access to our investor dashboard with more than 1,000 early stage investors.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Duke - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The EDPNC’s Existing Industry Expansion Managers (EIEMs) facilitate the business growth and expansion of already established North Carolina companies by providing counseling and access to state and local resources for workforce development, manufacturing support, environmental and infrastructure issues, grants and loans, and more.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
Our team is ready to answer your questions about business licensing and permitting, legal structures, forms, tax requirements, financing resources, hiring employees, and more. To contact EDPNC Small Business Advisors, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 1 to 3 days.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
A user-centered, collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs not only grow their own ventures but also reinvest their knowledge and resources into each other, building a community of near-peer mentorship, shared resources and learning opportunites to spur growth and foster sustainability.
AcceleratorIncubator
in
Durham
Echo
An innovative program powered by the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), sponsors motivated startup founders with significant access to tech resources and growth support. FCAT is dedicated to identifying emerging technologies that will shape our future. This fellowship aims to attract trailblazing, idea-igniting, and game-changing founders who are ready to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. If you’re a passionate early-stage founder who embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and global vision, this is the opportunity for you.
Accelerator
in
Durham
American Underground
This Series is made up of three distinct classes that comprehensively cover the basic financial skills and tools that every entrepreneur needs to start and run a successful business. After finishing the series we encourage you to apply to work with one of our financial business coaches to build a secure financial infrastructure that can stand the test of time.
Training/Course
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
Whether you are a solopreneur or a startup team, a main street business, or a highly scalable enterprise, everyone needs trusted mentors who have the right skills and match your stage of development.
Coaching/Consulting
in
GreensboroGreensboroGreensboro
Flywheel — Winston-SalemFlywheel — ConcordFlywheel — Greenville
Exclusively for founders and operators like you, who are ready to scale their startups, build their network and grow as leaders. You’ll find an honest, unbiased, and powerful community of innovators who are validated resources, ready to provide the expert guidance that you need to scale faster and smarter. This community is designed by founders for founders – because we’ve been in your shoes and we know how to help. Your company is stronger with the network you build behind it.
Community/Networking
in
Durham
Center for Entrepreneurial Development
In 18 hours over 6 weekly sessions, participants will develop key foundational business knowledge, operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. Leave the course with a business plan, a clear vision for your business, and concrete tasks for future work.
Training/Course
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
The Wake Tech Entrepreneurship & Small Business Center offers free, one-on-one business assistance through counseling, coaching and mentorship. Counselors provide a personal approach to help you start your business in the Wake County area. We want to provide support at your pace, helping you build your business, create a marketing plan, review available small-business grants and more.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Wake Tech
Free, four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help entrepreneurially minded students and technologists create high-growth startups. Get product ideas, mentorship and one-on-one coaching to develop a high-growth startup company. gALPHA is a program of a nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor.
Accelerator
in
Concord
gener8tor
Unique co-working environment for start-ups and small businesses needing access to high tech laboratory space. This co-working environment is utilized to support “start-up” operations of newly formed nano-bio related entities and other small businesses. Generally, firms of this nature struggle to find space of a suitable size at a reasonable cost which is where the Gateway Launchpad fits in. Users are provided with a telephone and internet access as part of their occupancy.
Incubator
in
Greensboro
Gateway Research Park
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.
Accelerator
in
Charlotte
Charlotte Center City Partners
These interactive, full-day sessions were created for those that believe in results! Whether we're building a website in a day or excelling with excel by day's end, we got you. Workshops are held twice a year on a Saturday and are an 8-hour commitment. Breakfast and lunch included.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
HUSTLE Night is a sporadic gathering to enhance inclusive entrepreneurship. Join us for an evening of networking, impact learning, and community-building. We gather for a hustle story, an innovation sprint, or an interactive workshop on a relevant business topic.
Community/Networking
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
Opportunity for teams to gather information and resources to help better translate ideas and inventions into the marketplace, with mentorship opportunities, training and support, experiential research and market experience, and access to the broad spectrum of NSF resources.
Accelerator
in
Wilmington
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Inspired by the life story of Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert and the influence of his Uncle Cleve, Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur is the companion text to the Ice House Entrepreneurship Programs—experiential, problem-based learning programs designed to inspire and engage participants with the determination and perseverance of an entrepreneurial mindset. Ice House participants learn from a diverse array of real-world, 'unlikely' entrepreneurs who have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset.
Training/Course
in
High Point
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Early-stage entrepreneurship course to enable founders to determine if there is business value in an idea. Each of the four sessions will focus on different entrepreneurial design topics such as value proposition, identifying the customer's problem, competition, and market analysis.
Accelerator
in
Wilmington
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Free program that provides the mindset, tools, and network needed to grow your idea from “seed” to “startup”. Starting with a kickoff bootcamp and culminating in a final pitch event, I2E is designed to give new founders an “on ramp” to entrepreneurship.
Accelerator
in
Durham
American Underground
This is a two-day set of sessions designed to look at the impact and effects of Black and Brown entrepreneurship in America. We Engaged in the conversations around different shades of investment, disrupting the bias in the fundraising process, and building an inclusive ecosystem for investing!
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
12-week partnership program that enables emerging enterprises to test their products and services in local government while exposing the City and County to fresh ideas and the newest technologies at the same time. Through this mutually beneficial program, growing businesses partner with government departments to gain access to staff, data and facilities to advance their business concepts and test their viability. The program culminates in a Demo Day where community members gather to hear about the participants experience and lessons learned. In its third year, Innovate Durham continues to be a cutting-edge partnership for enhancing innovation for community businesses and the local government.
Training/Course
in
Winston-Salem
Durham County - DCO
Joules Accelerator works to identify, advise, and deploy early-stage climate startups while connecting them with the energy network of the Southeast and beyond. Joules moves quickly to make warm connections to relevant network stakeholders across the region and to find revenue-generating pilots and other commercialization opportunities for member startups.
Accelerator
in
Charlotte
Joules Accelerator
Located on the second floor of the Genome Sciences Building, the KickStart Accelerator is managed by KickStart Venture Services, a department that is part of Innovate Carolina, the University-wide initiative for innovation and entrepreneurship. The accelerator provides an ideal home for early research-based startups that need space to conduct business and research and development.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6-week, cohort-based program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs workshop their early-stage creative business ideas and explore their customer base. Weekly curriculum is taught by a team of subject matter experts who mentor and counsel founders. Kinetic graduates have successfully launched their startups, earned spots in business accelerators, and secured grants. Cohort members will participate in a pitch competition for a chance to win a $1,000 seed grant!
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Center for Creative Economy
Level up your company with a hands-on weekend intensive that equips you with the tools and resources needed to start and build every part of your business. Participants build a framework to grow their business using the Lean Startup approach and test their value propositions and feasibility. For entrepreneurs at the Idea stage, or entrepreneurs introducing new products/services to their businesses.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Weekly meetings for 5 weeks held with support from experts to assist entrepreneurs while they set-up their corporate and financial structure, determine if they have intellectual property, develop customer personas and marketing strategies, and other requirements to start a business. For entrepreneurs just launching their new businesses.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
14-week entrepreneurship program designed to accelerate your business’s growth. With weekly meetings culminating in a Demo Day event, you’ll gain valuable insights on marketing, sales, funding sources, hiring employees, pitching to investors, and more. Each participating company is paired with a dedicated mentor, while interns offer assistance with growth projects. Objectives include evaluating your business, setting short and long-term goals, organizing finances, customer definition, refining your brand, and pitch deck creation. Connect with a diverse community of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful relationships and collaboration. The program runs twice annually.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Aims to support and develop entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in the county. Towns across Wake County collaborate with Wake Tech to offer a LaunchWakeCounty program for established or aspiring entrepreneurs in their communities. By nurturing homegrown, Main Street businesses, we hope to strengthen the small-business ecosystem across the region.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Wake Tech
Provides Greenville-Pitt County with an enduring source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serving the community. During the eight-month program, participants get an in-depth view of community issues, develop leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles, and are exposed to community involvement opportunities. Participants study the qualities that make an effective leader, analyze individual leadership roles, and develop personal leadership styles and skills. The program will open your eyes to new challenges and opportunities and the role you can play in shaping the future of our community and region.
Training/Course
in
Winterville
Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
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!
Accelerator
in
Durham
Forward Cities
The Main Street Entrepreneurs Accelerator (MSEA) program is a training and pitch competition for students and small-business owners in Wake County, aimed at accelerating business growth. To be eligible for the program, students must be enrolled in an Entrepreneurship for Skilled Trades and Professionals course at Wake Tech, Shaw or Saint Augustine's. They also must have demonstrated commitment to a business or business idea by documenting what they have done to start or build the business.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Wake Tech
In 15 hours over 6 weekly sessions, the class will cover the basics of marketing strategy and tactics. It also includes multiple hands-on opportunities for you to brainstorm and write your very own marketing plan and develop the fundamentals of your brand such as website copy, social media messaging and aesthetic. You will walk away from this class with tangible tools you can use to market your business today and to, eventually, become an enduring and memorable brand!
Training/Course
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
Do you want to make more money with your business? Are you willing to think outside the box? In this unique lunchtime series, we explore innovative and radical ideas for marketing your business. Each week, we introduce you to a cutting-edge (but proven) marketing strategy or technology to help you attract, retain, and increase revenue from customers.
Training/Course
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
From discovery to commercialization, our mission is to identify promising ideas, discoveries and technologies with commercial potential at Duke University Medical Center and assist in making them a reality. MedBlue Incubator provides seed funding, early-stage business support and opportunities for partnerships.
Incubator
in
Durham
MedBlue
Have you started a company? Do you have customers and traction? Be a part of an amazing program that will help you grow your venture—and grow as a leader. Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs is year-long intensive program designed for current Duke students who are committed to launching and growing their ventures. It is a not-for-credit program; if selected, you will be expected to balance your coursework and other activities with participation in the program.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Duke - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
We have several options to meet the various needs of our community. Once you have a membership, you can use Mixxer's space and tools anytime during our open hours. Membership also comes with on-demand training, access to safety gear, class discounts, and access to special events.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Winston-Salem
Mixxer Community Makerspace
Momentum Financial Academy aims to help microbusinesses create and organize their financial recordkeeping systems. For four weeks, you'll work side-by-side with a cohort of other microbusinesses to learn essential financial strategies. The program also includes confidential one-on-one counseling sessions where you can ask specific questions about your business!
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Durham
Durham Business 360
Mountain BizWorks partners with local successful business owners to bring you coaches who have been where you are and are invested in our community, so you get the best and most relevant support no matter where you and your business are at.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
Nationally Proven curriculum and Cohort-based executive education for growth-oriented minority business owners. Participants will join a cohort of up to 20 peer business owners for seven months of focused business instruction, networking, subject matter expert engagement, and peer to peer learning.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Durham County
Provides grant funding to organizations that execute creative programs to support entrepreneurs. We believe that our commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic advancement in North Carolina is best achieved by working in partnership with others.
Accelerator
in
Durham
NC IDEA
Empowers individuals and organizations to ignite vibrant community entrepreneurial ecosystems by fueling diverse and inclusive initiatives across North Carolina. ENGAGE welcomes applications for activities centered around entrepreneurship, including entrepreneurial programs, pilots, events, and student educational initiatives that foster connections, collaborations, and impactful activity throughout the state.
Accelerator
in
Durham
NC IDEA
Through small, project-based grants, NC IDEA MICRO awards $10K in funding to startups actively moving their companies forward by validating assumptions and developing a business model. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success.
Accelerator
in
Durham
NC IDEA
Designed to develop creativity and critical thinking, effective problem solving, teamwork, and other entrepreneurial skills, enabling individuals to succeed regardless of their chosen path. We believe that the entrepreneurial mindset can foster opportunity and equity in North Carolina.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Durham
NC IDEA
Offers early stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. Our $50K grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept — even if they are not yet profitable. The funds, along with mentorship and guidance, push companies forward and reduce risk associated with growing startups.
Accelerator
in
Durham
NC IDEA
Services-based accelerator and incubation program. We offer early stage founders up to $50,000 in free software development, legal, marketing, business development and accounting services. In addition, companies accepted into the program get free workspace at the Cabarrus Center until they achieve investable market traction and are assigned a Venture Mentor Services team of 3-5 mentors.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Cabarrus Center
The program is designed to take you through a step-by-step process for figuring out if your idea can actually make money. Next Level utilizes a proven process for starting a business based on Lean Startup principles that takes you from idea to sales with minimal risk.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center
Coordinates wrap around services in the areas of business strategies and operations as well as identifying financing and marketing opportunities to help Entrepreneurs meet their goals. We meet the entrepreneur where they are in life and in business, offering office, manufacturing & warehouse and Kitchen facilities.
IncubatorCoaching/Consulting
in
Greensboro
Nussbaum Center for Entreneurship
The Office of Research Commercialization (ORC) created the PackStart Program to assist NC State faculty and research teams in creating and launching a new venture. Managed by the New Ventures group, this program is available to all newly created startup companies that license university intellectual property.
Accelerator
in
Buies Creek
NC State University
It's all about the money in this three-part series. A paper chaser is someone that's about their money. Join us for interactive workshops focused on cash flow models, financial projections & forecasts, and basic bookkeeping & budgeting for business. Refreshments provided. Laptop required.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
Inclusive entrepreneurial training program to develop the skills and the “mindset” needed to start a business. Using the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program curriculum, which focuses on mindset as its core foundation, Pathways develops the head and heart to seek, explore, and refine the vision and steps needed to start the business that you desire.
Training/Course
in
Statewide
Center for Creative Economy
Provides free, personalized support to help you start or grow your business right here in Pitt County. Our approach is all about meeting where you are, whether you’re at the inception stage or fine-tuning your marketing strategy. Our expert counseling covers everything from business planning to funding opportunities. Our services are open to entrepreneurs across various industries, from solo ventures to small teams or 25 or fewer members.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Greenville
Pitt Community College
Pilots Lounge offers another opportunity to connect our Navigators with entrepreneurs in the First Flight community. This program aims to share expertise, strategize on business development, and learn how to try and raise equity funding or go after non-dilutive funding.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
PLACE (Pava LaPere Award for Cultivating Ecosystems) Builders is an intensive, 3-month fellowship program empowering these change-makers to catalyze more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. The fellowship is inspired by the legacy of Pava LaPere, the late Co-Founder of EcoMap Technologies as a tribute to her legacy of fighting for equal access to opportunity.
Accelerator
in
Durham
Forward Cities
Tailor-made for visionary entrepreneurs. Gain the confidence and clarity you need to move forward. Our tailored curriculum, expert mentors and industry veterans will provide you with personalized guidance, market insights, and rigorous feedback, helping you refine your concept into a viable business proposition.
Accelerator
in
Greensboro
Winston Starts
Helps founders take their startups to the next level, with the primary purpose of accelerating your company’s growth. These 30-90 day sprints pair entrepreneurs who are experiencing common growth challenges with experienced mentors who root out their companies’ potential weaknesses and fortify their competitive strengths.
Accelerator
in
Asheville
Venture Asheville
Carolina Small Business proporciona soluciones de financiamiento y orientación para ayudar a los empresarios a alcanzar sus objetivos de negocio. Si está buscando comenzar o ampliar su negocio, ofrecemos préstamos que están diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Customizable program that includes entrepreneurial education in Spanish, individual consulting, and handholding to access capital. Bring Prospera to your market and we will help you build more scalable and sustainable, minority-owned businesses to strengthen your local economy and foster upward mobility.
Accelerator
in
RaleighCharlotte
Prospera — RaleighProspera — Charlotte
6-week entrepreneurial design thinking program which helps founders and entrepreneurs determine whether there is sufficient value to pursue a product or service idea. The program helps entrepreneurs identify potential markets, develop a path to market strategy, and learn how to communicate the value of the idea to early stakeholders and adopters.
Accelerator
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
From its North Carolina roots, the REAL Entrepreneurship program is now helping entrepreneurs and businesses around the globe. (The headquarters are still in Cherokee, NC.) REAL began in 1985 and has helped thousands of North Carolinians start or improve all types of businesses. Ag and food businesses, arts and crafts, retail sales, consumer services, and business-to-business companies. What you do and learn in the REAL program applies to every business.
Accelerator
in
High Point
Fayetteville Technical Community College
In 8 weeks, you could be in business and ready to pitch for funding. The fast track to turn your business idea into a reality. By the end of this course, you can be in business, making sales and seeking funding.
Accelerator
in
High Point
Fayetteville Technical Community College
The Retail Lab program is designed to help early-stage and pre-launch retail business owners in the area through a six-week boot camp focusing on Business Basics, Strategy, Branding and Marketing, E-commerce, Point-of-Sale and Inventory, and Real Estate/Licensing.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
Cabarrus Center
Award-nominated, 12-week hybrid program designed to support and propel early-stage fintech and insurtech startups to success. Our program connects participating startups with strategic corporate partners, funding, and industry connections, creating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation.
Accelerator
in
Charlotte
RevTech Labs
12-week high-touch program designed to support startups and entrepreneurs in emerging tech who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. We provide the resources, mentorship, and connections necessary to turn groundbreaking concepts into successful, scalable businesses– with a customer-first focus and revenue-driven growth.
Accelerator
in
Raleigh
RIoT
Our team of experienced professionals is here to help your small and mid-size business: make better, more informed decisions; access sources of capital and financing; evaluate and improve your financial performance; explore new market opportunities; improve leadership skills and employee performance.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
SBDTC
Propel offers participants in the shellfish mariculture industry a business incubator curriculum and process to assist growers through the stages of business launch and growth. This fully online business training series presents new growers with concepts and challenges of business ownership unique to shellfish growers. This program also provides resources that can be used after the course has been completed.
Incubator
in
Wilmington
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The City of Durham’s Small Business Advisory Committee provide programs and services for small businesses, such as business plans and marketing strategies, financing, management skills training, and business counseling. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development connects up-and-coming and existing small businesses directly to member organizations focused on technical assistance.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Durham
Durham Business 360
The Small Business Concierge Service is a one-stop shop that helps small business and entrepreneurs navigate the resources available across Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Region, and the State of North Carolina. Entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow their business can receive customized guidance and expert advice on a variety of business topics.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Charlotte
Mecklenburg County
This program assists small businesses in Mecklenburg County preparing for and accessing financing that makes good economic and business sense. This program works in collaboration with financial institutions, technical assistance providers and other leveraging partners to help grow a diverse range of businesses in our community.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Charlotte
Mecklenburg County
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Lab at UNC School of Social Work supports students and faculty in exploring, designing, and implementing new ways of addressing complex social problems. Among its activities, SIE Lab has helped Master of Social Work students launch social venture startups.
Accelerator
in
Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
SBTRC works closely with prime and subcontractors, as well as state and local transportation agencies within the South Atlantic Region. The main focus of the SBTRC is assisting firms that are interested in doing business with the U.S. DOT directly, or with state and local agencies receiving U.S. DOT funding.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
We invite you to get plugged into the vast resources, connections and opportunities available in the Innovation Quarter. From networking to coworking resources, Sparq™ can help introduce new businesses to the connectivity and collaboration that flourish within the Innovation Quarter.
IncubatorCoaching/Consulting
in
Winstom-Salem
Innovation Quarter
If you're working on what you've already got, you're working IN your business and if you're building something new to make things work better in the future you're working ON your business. This is curated time once a month where you and your team can focus on your business.
Training/Course
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
Join veteran founder Matt Williamson for the Startup Strategy Sprint, a three-session workshop series designed to equip founders like you with tools and frameworks for growth. From defining your value prop and ICP to aligning your team and building a strategic plan, you’ll gain skills and tools to accelerate your business.
Training/CourseCoaching/Consulting
in
Durham
American Underground
Participants will learn about different aspects of starting a business, including identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, running the finances of a business, and marketing a business. You’ll work with mentors and peers in fun breakout activities designed to help strengthen your business ideas and prepare you for success!
Accelerator
in
Statewide
SBTDC
Pitch practice for companies in the First Flight Venture Center ecosystem. On the first Tuesday of each month, we invite an audience to observe pitches from up to two companies. The audience includes our Navigators, angel investors, non-dilutive funding groups, customers and other relevant reviewers to ensure the companies get meaningful, impactful feedback so their pitches continue to get better!
Training/Course
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
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.
Accelerator
in
Winston Salem
Campbell University
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.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
Developed in partnership with SCM Woodworking Technology, The Generator makes industrial-grade woodworking machinery accessible to all furniture designers and makers, interior designers and architects, as well as small, medium, and large furniture companies.
Incubator
in
Winston Salem
Congdon Yards
Group of emerging arts administrators aiming to build the next generation of arts leaders. Through targeted learning, social gatherings and other events, TEAL supports art administrators as they navigate this exciting and evolving field with opportunities to learn and network with peers in the Triangle arts community.
Training/Course
in
Raleigh
Triangle Artworks
Helps entrepreneurs develop viable businesses rooted in creativity. This 10-week, cohort-based program includes a robust curriculum (with in-person and remote options), skilled facilitators, and a customized mentor team of subject matter experts from every business discipline. Master business basics, solidify your positioning, and refine your pitch.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Center for Creative Economy
Enables startup entrepreneurs to simultaneously navigate the practical, day-to-day challenges of building great companies and develop their skills as effective managers, leaders and CEOs. Offering mentorship modeled on the MIT Venture Mentoring Service, Elevate is a service provided by Venture Asheville as part of our strategy to systematically strengthen and support high-growth ventures in the Asheville area.
Accelerator
in
Asheville
Venture Asheville
Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) is a Flywheel™ premier program offering at the Cabarrus Center, connecting business founders with exceptional advisory services. Through a competitive application process, we select the region’s top, most viable startup companies and a handpicked team of mentors who work together to further the development of the venture.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Raleigh
Cabarrus Center
The Wake Tech Contractors Academy is an eight-week training program specifically for small, minority- and women-owned businesses in Wake County interested in pursuing contracting opportunities. The program will help participants develop their business to increase capacity and compete at a higher level in the public sector. Participants will network with industry leaders and learn from industry experts.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Wake Tech
Uniquely harnesses the outdoor industry and venture development expertise of mentors and partners to elevate your outdoor venture to the next peak. Cohort members are embedded in a strong network of mentors and peers that can help refine company plans and products, get critical feedback, and ultimately get to market faster. The program components include action-focused peer cohort sessions, a robust outdoor industry mentor network, and assistance with access to growth capital.
Accelerator
in
Asheville
Mountain Bizworks
We're dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of women food entrepreneurs. Our mission is to significantly increase the number of women-owned, food-focused businesses that find success. We're committed to equipping women with the essential resources and tools they need to not only launch but also thrive in their culinary ventures.
Accelerator
in
Hillsborough
WE Power Food
Catalyst for the success of entrepreneurs in 22 counties in Western North Carolina. WWBC meets the needs of entrepreneurs through one-on-one business coaching, workshops, and access to capital. Our team of experts offer support on a range of topics small businesses need to start and grow.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
Statewide
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Comprehensive 12-week, cohort-based, sector-focused accelerator for science startups. Working in collaboration with the Biomedical Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the first WheelsUP cohort will accelerate the ability of entrepreneurs to scale disruptive biotechnology and health security solutions.
Accelerator
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
Offers international companies the perfect “soft landing” in the competitive U.S. market. Designed for high-potential startups and businesses from around the world, Wingspan provides a comprehensive pathway to launch and expand in the U.S., specifically in North Carolina’s vibrant Research Triangle.
Accelerator
in
Durham
First Flight Venture Center
Premier program designed for Black female student entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This incubator provides the next generation of Black women entrepreneurs with the resources, community and support they need to strengthen their idea and grow their early-stage ventures. Students accepted into the incubator will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from some of the most successful women-owned businesses and America’s largest Fortune 500 companies.
Incubator
in
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Where womenpreneurs can come together as a co-working community, no matter the location, there will always be one constant: care. We're shaping an environment where women are free to be themselves, learn new things, and share their gifts with one another.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
HUSTLE
The Women's Business Center of Central Virginia provides one-on-one counseling, training, technical assistance, networking, and resources vital to the success of women entrepreneurs in the central Virginia area. Services that are desperately needed as female entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses struggle to recover from an economic downturn.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
Empowers women by offering tools and support to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth and contribute to the growth and economic development of the community.
Coaching/Consulting
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
Promotes economic self-sufficiency for all women in North Carolina through entrepreneurship. We empower women by offering tools and support to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth and contribute to the growth and economic development of the community.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
Promotes economic self-sufficiency for women-owned businesses throughout our footprint in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad Region and surrounding areas. We support 14 counties central to the state: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Guilford, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin Counties. We empower entrepreneurs by offering counseling and programs to help you start and grow businesses, generate sustainable profits, plan for future success, and contribute to the economic development of the community.
Coaching/ConsultingTraining/Course
in
DurhamCharlotte
National Institute — DurhamNational Institute — Charlotte
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.
Accelerator
in
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce (WSBCC)
Choose from three curriculums: high Schoolers eager to conquer life skills, budding or beginner entrepreneur, seasoned business owner or professional. No matter which path you choose, you will experience engaging and applied learning boosting your skillset to help you Level Up! All curriculums are self-paced to fit seamlessly into your schedule.
Training/Course
in
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce (WSBCC)