Retail Lab

Program Overview

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

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 that focuses on these main topics: Business Basics, Strategy, Branding and Marketing, E-commerce, Point-of-Sale and Inventory, and Real Estate/Licensing. 

Apply for Fall 2023

Fall 2023 Boot Camp

July 17 | Applications Open

Sept. 4 | Application Deadline

Sept. 20 – Nov. 1
Boot Camp Schedule
(Wednesdays, 6-8pm)
*No Class Oct. 4

November 8 | Pitch Day

November 15 | Graduation

Applications for the Retail Lab Boot Camp will be taken through midnight September 4, 2023. In order to apply for Retail Lab Boot Camp, you must:

  • Have an early stage retail business or plan to launch a retail business in Cabarrus or Rowan County.
  • Commit to using the programming and resources of the Retail Lab Boot Camp Program to launch your idea.
Complete the Application Here

Spring 2023 Graduates

  • Blondie Bamboo
    Olivia Van Etten

  • MDM Enterprises
    Monique May

  • SmoKee ‘Kue
    Kenner Kee

  • No Hair Club
    James Boyd

  • Clobell Diane Beauty
    Leah Afful

  • Jexsii, LLC
    Tequia Williams

  • FCIV Cosmetics
    Natasha Stovall

  • Bubbles
    Dana Adams

  • KBKhandles&Ko.
    Khandis Bostick

  • Florals at Jackson
    Uletha Oglesby

  • Davis, LLC
    Machica Davis

  • Her Authentic Self
    Bria Smith

  • Dirt Skirt / Gasoline Alley
    Brian Kepley

  • MarlieQ’s Caribbean Queen Food Truck
    Marlie Nesbeth

Retail Lab Graduates

“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)

Program Sponsor

We want to recognize our program sponsor for helping us make the Retail Lab program possible.

Accelerating Local
Economic Development

Find Us

Cabarrus Center
for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
57 Union St. S.
Concord, NC 28025

Contact Us