The program serves early-stage and pre-launch retail business owners in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties by providing an application-based, six-week immersive Boot Camp, followed by an opportunity for new retailers to test out their concept in the Cabarrus Center’s Retail Lab Pop Up Store.
Curriculum topics include: Business Basics, Strategy, Branding and Marketing, E-commerce, Point-of-Sale and Inventory, and Real Estate/Licensing.
Spring 2023 Updates
The Spring 2023 application has ended. Thank you for applying and spreading the word. Stay tuned for updates on who is participating in the Spring 2023 cohort coming in March.
Important Dates
March 14 | Applicants to be notified
March 22 – May 3 | Spring 2023 Cohort Schedule (No class on April 5)
Congratulations to the fourteen entrepreneurs who recently graduated from the Retail Lab Boot Camp! Five of them went on to receive $2,500 micro-grants from The Flywheel Foundation as well as the opportunity to test out their concepts and sell products in the Retail Lab Pop Up Store in downtown Concord.
“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 and Iron (Fall 2022)
Pop Up Store
Shopping at the Pop Up gives you more than great products; it gives you a chance to explore and support new retail businesses that are launching in your community!