[ad_1]
From staff report
CONCORD — Nine local entrepreneurs celebrated their completion of the Fall 2023 Retail Lab Bootcamp. This program is tailored to address the complex nature of opening and operating a retail store.
Retail Lab graduates completed an intensive six-week, application-based boot camp that ended with an opportunity to pitch for a grant.
The cohort featured regional ventures such as wine shops, innovative clothing brands, international gift shops, and delicious food.
All participants in the program shared a common interest in supporting local entrepreneurship.
Melissa Allen, who participated in the program with her husband, said of the program: The financial impact on Barley Jean’s Taphouse and Bakery will be amazing, but the emotional benefits we will gain will be an even bigger boost for us. ”
Others are also reading…
The program is made possible with funding from Wells Fargo and in collaboration with the Flywheel Foundation and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Small Business Center. Local business owners develop the curriculum and cover the basics of business strategy, branding, marketing, e-commerce, POS, and inventory management.
Boot camp graduates receive a three-month Flywheel membership that includes space use, amenities, and membership benefits at the Cabarrus Center.
Additionally, graduates receive ongoing support from the Cabarrus Center’s Entrepreneurial Support Organization.
Applications for the next cohort are expected to open early next year. If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Grant Colgan.
Fall 2023 Retail Lab Graduates
Sekayi Essentials — Tuere Perkins (Cabarrus)
Abhivyakti Gift Shop — Medha Shenoy (Kabaras)*
Evolving natural skin care and handmade soaps — Jill Sullivan Keating (Lincoln)
Family Catering Services — Shane Nelson (Mecklenburg)*
Teas & Tinctures Holistic Wellness Shop — Kandra Johnson (Cabarrus)*
Costella — Julia Barr (Cabarrus)
Cellar Door Wine Shop — Andrew and Robin Angell (Cabarrus)*
Hapi Hood — Jonathan Murray (Cabarrus)*
Barley Jean’s Taphouse and Bakery — Mark and Melissa Allen (Cabarrus)*
*Indicates ventures that have received small grants through the Flywheel Foundation’s Retail Lab Program*
For more information about the Retail Lab program, visit the Cabarrus Center website at www.cabarruscenter.com/retail-lab.
About Cabarrus Center
Located in the heart of downtown Concord, the Cabarrus Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers professional workspace, meeting rooms, event space, educational workshops, networking events, business resources, mentorship services, and a place for entrepreneurs to launch their businesses. We offer a number of amenities to support your growth.
[ad_2]
Source link
