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Retail Lab

The Retail Lab program is designed to help early stage and pre-launch retail business owners in the area through a six-week boot camp focusing on Business Basics, Strategy, Branding and Marketing, E-commerce, Point-of-Sale and Inventory, and Real Estate/Licensing.

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.

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.

Retail Lab featured on WCNC Charlotte (1-24-2024)
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Fall 2024 Boot Camp

The application period for Fall 2024 Boot Camp has closed.

Sep. 6 @ Midnight | Application Deadline

Sep. 1620
Applicants will be notified of selection

Sep. 24 – Nov. 5
Boot Camp Schedule
(Tuesdays, 6-8pm)

Nov. 12 | Pitch Night

Nov. 19 | Graduation

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.

Spring 2024 Graduates

  • Bigg On Natural Beauty
    Equality Biggers, Andre Biggers

  • Define Shine Cleaning
    Stephanie Watkins

  • Java Notes Records
    Douglas Taylor

  • Kitchen Hippies
    Naomi Colon

  • Mama Bears Krafts
    Lori Green

  • Placidi Tea
    Jane Sabah Kpeli

  • Queen Hooked Creations
    Candance Madry

  • Southern Stitches and Gifts
    Andrea Edward

  • Scout & Willow
    Christina Thompson, Natalie Smith

  • Willow’s Handcrafted Collars
    Melissa Scarfone

  • XCEL
    Ernest Swindell, Alonna Bailey

“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