Business Development Resources

​Statewide & General Growth Cohorts

• LaunchWakeCounty -- A 10‑week training program that provides hands‑on mentoring and strong peer and community networks. It is part of a broader network of community‑based cohorts across the Triangle, including LaunchRALEIGH, LaunchAPEX, and LaunchCARY, all working together to support local entrepreneurs. 

• SBTDC "Taking the Leap" -- An 8-hour foundational cohort focusing on business registration, planning, and financials. Multiple cohorts are scheduled in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, and the Greenville area.

• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses -- A fully funded, 12-week program partnering with the NC Community College System Cape Fear Community College. It offers practical training in marketing, financials, and employee management.

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Regional & Specialty Cohorts

• AmpUp (Charlotte) -- A seven‑month program that helps small businesses strengthen their business model through training in planning, HR, and financing—equipping owners with the tools to scale and grow.

• Business Launch Pad (Mecklenburg County) -- A free 4.5-month cohort that trains small businesses to compete for government and institutional contracts.

• Catalyst Cohort (Western NC, Mountain BizWorks) -- A 5-month program for ambitious, diverse entrepreneurs to drive long-term impact.

• Camel Accelerator (Campbell University, Fayetteville) -- A 10-week cohort program designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs gain clarity, understand your customers, and take practical steps to grow your business

• Get up and Grow (Mecklenburg County) -- A free, 4.5-month program is for established businesses looking to level up. In this program you will develop a customized strategic growth plan with the support of professional consultants, a peer network, and subject-matter experts.

• HIVE Program (Charlotte) -- Focuses on inclusivity and innovation, providing select participants with rent-covered retail space and pop-up opportunities. 

• Momentum 360 (Durham) -- A four‑week program that helps microbusiness owners build strong financial recordkeeping systems and core money‑management skills through cohort learning and one‑on‑one support.

• Sanford Area Growth Alliance (RISE Program) (Sanford) -- An eight‑week, free cohort that equips entrepreneurs with practical tools for successful business development, including market research, taxes, bookkeeping, and legal essentials.

• ScaleUp WNC (Western NC, Mountain BizWorks) -- An eight‑session, program for established businesses in 26 Western NC counties, offering advanced training and peer support to help entrepreneurs scale strategically. (Fee‑based)

• SEA Change North Carolina (Raleigh) -- A signature cohort for social entrepreneurs, focusing on business models that balance profit with social impact.

• Smart Start Academy (Winston-Salem) -- A cohort-based training program (typically 7 sessions) for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

• ROAR Business Accelerator -- A program designed for high-growth potential businesses to refine their models and pitch to investors. (Fee-based)

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Resources to Find Active Cohorts

• North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) -- Each of the 58 community colleges in NC hosts a center that frequently launches local cohorts

• NC IDEA -- Offers programs like the "Mindset" fellowship for entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners, with recent regional cohorts in Central and Eastern NC.