Nine local entrepreneurs celebrated their completion of the Fall 2023 Retail Lab Boot Camp—a program tailored to address the complex nature of starting and operating a retail establishment. The graduates of Retail Lab completed an application-based, six-week immersive boot camp, which concluded with the opportunity to pitch for grant funding.
This cohort featured regional ventures, including a wine shop, innovative clothing brands, an international gift shop, and delicious food items. All participants in the program shared a common interest in supporting local entrepreneurship. Melissa Allen, who participated in the program with her husband, had this to say about the program, “Going through this experience has been incredible. While the financial impact for Barley Jean’s Taphouse and Bakery will be amazing, the gains we have made emotionally are even more of a boost for us.”
The program is made possible through funding from Wells Fargo and requires collaboration between the Flywheel Foundation and the Small Business Center at Rowan Cabarrus Community College. Local business owners develop the curriculum and cover the fundamentals of business strategy, branding, marketing, e-commerce, point-of-sale, and inventory management. Boot Camp graduates receive a 3-month Flywheel Membership, including space use at the Cabarrus Center, amenities, and member benefits. Additionally, graduates will receive ongoing support from Entrepreneurial Support Organizations at the Cabarrus Center.
Applications for the next cohort will open early next year; please get in touch with Grant Colgan with any questions regarding the program.
