Retail Lab Program Celebrates 16 Graduating Entrepreneurs

On Tuesday, a new group of entrepreneurs 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. The program concludes with participants pitching their business ideas for a chance to receive grant funding.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as business strategy, branding, marketing, e-commerce, point-of-sale, and inventory management. Participants gain hands-on experience and mentorship from local entrepreneurs and industry professionals, fostering a supportive learning environment.

This spring’s cohort showcased a diverse array of retail concepts, reflecting the creativity and determination of our local small business community. Each participant brought a unique vision to the program, from new e-commerce lines to expansion on brick-and-mortar retail concepts.

The Retail Lab Boot Camp is a collaboration between the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the Flywheel Foundation, with generous support from Wells Fargo. This partnership aims to strengthen the local economy by empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources to succeed.

Graduates receive a complimentary 3-month membership to Flywheel Coworking, providing access to the Cabarrus Center’s professional workspace and ongoing support from partner organizations, including the Small Business Center, Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, and the Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce.

Applications for the next Retail Lab cohort will open in Fall 2025. For more information, please get in touch with Grant Colgan at the Flywheel Foundation.