We design and partner on programs that help Charlotte founders tackle their toughest challenges — from customer discovery to product development, growth, and beyond.
A 6-week cohort program to help founders master customer discovery.Customer Discovery Lab is built for founders who want to deeply understand their customers, test their assumptions, and strengthen their business model. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll spend 2.5 hours per week in a guided cohort, learning how to ask the right questions, identify your early adopters, and prepare for NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grants.
One-day, deep-dive workshops on the most important challenges founders face.
A full-day, hands-on workshop where founders, designers, and product leaders collaborate to take an idea from concept to prototype. Product Jam brings together cross-functional teams to ideate, test, and pitch solutions — all in a single day.
Modeled after Product Jam, Growth Jam brings founders and growth experts together for a one-day sprint on customer acquisition. You’ll work side-by-side with marketing, sales, and customer success leaders to test strategies that move the needle on growth.
A one-day intensive designed to help founders strengthen their operations, from systems and processes to finance and HR. Ops Jam will launch soon — stay tuned.
Helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into action.
CO.STARTERS is a nationally recognized, 10-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into reality. Through a supportive cohort model, participants learn how to refine their ideas, validate assumptions, and develop a sustainable plan.
This program is offered locally by LaunchCLT, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs in the Charlotte region.
Structured mentoring for high-potential entrepreneurs.
Based on MIT’s mentoring model, the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) pairs founders with teams of experienced mentors who provide long-term, unbiased guidance. Since its launch in Charlotte, VMS has helped dozens of startups refine their strategies, raise capital, and grow their businesses.
VMS is operated by LaunchCLT, with Innovate Charlotte as a founding partner.
Free, no-equity accelerator programs for early-stage startups.
A free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. The program provides intensive coaching, networking opportunities, and investor connections — all without taking equity.