Whether you’re just getting started with a new idea or you’ve already built something awesome and are looking to grow, the Charlotte startup community has resources for you.
Mentoring can be invaluable, regardless of the stage of your startup.
A close partner of InnovateCharlotte, LaunchCLT matches local entrepreneurs with experienced mentors as a way to develop founders and help businesses scale. If you have a high-growth idea with some initial traction, you might be a perfect fit for LaunchCLT.
Through a competitive application process, Cabbarus Center VMS selects the region’s top, most viable startup companies and a handpicked team of mentors who work together to further the development of the venture. They also help early stage companies get “mentor ready” through programs and coaching sessions.
UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has a variety of programming for both students and the surrounding community, all focused on growing, supporting, and promoting local entrepreneurs.
The Hurt Hub@Davidson convenes innovators and entrepreneurs in the Davidson College community and the Greater Charlotte region to catalyze innovative solutions to critical problems through educational programming, experiential learning in a safe environment, an inclusive co-working space, uncompromising ethics, a robust mentor network, access to startup capital, and innovation consulting.
SBTDC helps small and mid-sized businesses increase sales, create jobs, and access capital. They support companies and startups of all stages, from launch to exit.
SCORE offers free mentoring along with low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools. They also host a variety of in-person and virtual events and workshops.
These types of cohort-based programs equip founders with skills, knowledge, and connections, but admission can be competitive.
A cohort-based program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.
Requirements:
Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. Participants will work with mentors, pitch investors, and gain experience and connections. The goal of the program is for graduates to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round.
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RevTech Labs’ accelerator program provides Founders with a customized 12-week roadmap based on their unique goals and objectives. The program also provides capital investment of up to $120k and access to their mentor network.
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Joules is a non-profit organization that supports early-stage climate tech startups in the Southeast and beyond. Their team makes quick, warm connections to relevant network stakeholders across the region, and finds revenue-generating pilots and other commercialization opportunities for member startups.
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Sorting out how you’re going to fund your startup is important— that’s why we have a whole guide dedicated to just that topic. Check it out here.