Retail Lab

The Retail Lab was established through a partnership between the Cabarrus Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Flywheel Foundation, and the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

All applications must be submitted in full by Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

early stage and pre-launch retail business owners

Six-Week Business Bootcamp

The Retail Lab Boot Camp supports early-stage and aspiring business owners who are launching a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce business in retail goods, food and beverage products, or retail services. Applicants must plan to serve customers in Cabarrus or Rowan County, with priority given to businesses located in those counties.

Participants who graduate from the program will have an opportunity to pitch for grant funding through the Flywheel Foundation and will also receive a 3-month Flywheel Membership that includes space use at the Cabarrus Center, amenities, and member benefits.

Apply for Retail Lab

Apply for Retail Lab

Boot Camp Schedule

Oct 14
Business Basics

Oct 21
Business Modeling

Oct 28
Branding

Nov 4
E-commerce

Nov 11
Point of Sale

Nov 18
Real Estate and Downtown
Development Panel

Dec 2
Pitch Night

Dec 10
Graduation

Fall 2026 Boot Camp

The program includes six in-person sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cabarrus Center:

Oct 5 @ Midnight | Application Deadline

Oct 9 | Applicants Notified of Status

Oct 14–Nov 18 | Boot Camp (Thursdays 6–8 PM)

In order to apply for Retail Lab Boot Camp, you must:

Be a business owner and at least 18 years old.
Have an early-stage retail business or plans to launch one that will serve customers in Cabarrus or Rowan County.
Be committed to using the program and its resources to actively move your business forward.
Submit the application in full by Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

“The Retail Lab Boot Camp was a fantastic experience. Before I started, there were so many unanswered questions. I have a much better understanding of how to market my product and grow my revenue streams to both online and retail outlets. The collaboration and insight from industry professionals, as well as my classmates, were extremely valuable.”

James Wise, Wise Earth & Iron

The success of the Retail Lab program is made possible through the generous support of our program sponsors.

Meet the Graduating Cohorts

Graduates

Fall 2025 Boot Camp Graduates

A new group of twelve local entrepreneurs recently completed the Fall 2025 Retail Lab Boot Camp. This six-week program equips aspiring and early-stage business owners with practical tools and insights for launching and growing a retail venture.

Spring 2025 Boot Camp Graduates

A new group of fourteen local entrepreneurs recently completed the Spring 2025 Retail Lab Boot Camp. This six-week program equips aspiring and early-stage business owners with practical tools and insights for launching and growing a retail venture.

Fall 2024 Boot Camp Graduates

On Wednesday, November 20th, thirteen local entrepreneurs celebrated the completion of the Retail Lab Boot Camp. This six-week program provided participants with practical tools and insights for opening and operating a retail business, culminating in the opportunity to pitch for grant funding.

Spring 2024 Boot Camp Graduates

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, fourteen local entrepreneurs celebrated their completion of the Retail Lab Boot Camp. The program is tailored to address the complex issues that arise when opening and operating a retail establishment.

Fall 2023 Boot Camp Graduates

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.

Spring 2023 Boot Camp Graduates

Fourteen local entrepreneurs are celebrating their graduation from the Retail Lab Boot Camp—a program created in 2021 to address the complex nature of starting and operating a retail establishment.

Fall 2022 Boot Camp Graduates

Fourteen local entrepreneurs have completed the Fall 2022 Retail Lab Boot Camp—a program established in 2021 to address the complex nature of starting and operating a retail establishment.

Spring 2022 Boot Camp Graduates

Ten local entrepreneurs are celebrating their graduation from the Spring 2022 Retail Lab Boot Camp—a new program created in 2021 to address the complex nature of starting and operating a retail establishment.

Fall 2021 Boot Camp Graduates

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.

Design Escapes