The Cabarrus Center Fall 2021 Retail Lab Program Graduates 14 Local Entrepreneurs

CONCORD, NC – On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, fourteen local entrepreneurs will complete the inaugural Retail Lab Boot Camp—a brand new program created to address the complex and sometimes daunting nature of starting and operating a retail establishment.

The graduates of Fall 2021 Retail Lab completed an application-based, six-week immersive boot camp, and are preparing to compete later this month for grant funding and an opportunity to test their concept in a pop-up retail space for six months.

The entrepreneurs will each pitch their companies in 90 seconds to attendees of Flywheel Café on November 11, a monthly free networking event held at the Cabarrus Center the second Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The retailers will also sell and market their products in a holiday pop-up market format before and after the program.

Tameran Davenport, owner of Positive Outlook Grooming, said of the program, “The Retail Lab has given me quality, bite sized information that will help me better prepare for my next phase in business.”

The Flywheel Foundation collaborated with the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to structure the curriculum on their self-directed Learning Management System supplementing the instructor-led sessions. The curriculum covered topics such as business basics, strategy, branding and marketing, e-commerce, point-of-sale and inventory.

Kimo Olds, owner of Home of Aloha, utilized the program to hone in on the niche market for his product. “It was enlightening learning about other business owners’ business models and how they approach being an entrepreneur,” said Olds.

Fall 2021 Retail Lab Boot Camp graduates received a 3-month Flywheel Membership including space use at the Cabarrus Center, amenities, and member benefits. Additionally, graduates will receive ongoing support from the Entrepreneurial Organizations at the Cabarrus Center.

Learn more about the Retail Lab program on our website at www.cabarruscenter.com/retail-lab.