Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: North Carolina A&T to Host WBENC 2024 Incubator.

Women of Color Incubator, WBENC 2024 to be Held at North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) will host a Women of Color (WOC) Incubator, giving prospective student entrepreneurs access to tools, community, and support. The primary initiative of WBENC, the WOC Incubator, has opened many doors for young entrepreneurs from historically Black institutions and universities.

Details of the Program:

This program will start on September 18, holding six virtual sessions running from 5 to 7 p.m. Later, it will conclude with an in-person pitch competition on October 30, taking place from 5 to 8 pm., in the Student Center’s Deese Ballroom.

Eligibility for the Program:

Applicants must be current N.C. A&T graduates or women of color students can be from a variety of academic backgrounds but must have an idea or be in the early stages of an entrepreneurial endeavor. The number of participants in the cohort will vary from 30 to 60.

Participants in the cohort will develop and polish their ideas which will help them to improve and better present their opinions, students will learn to create prototypes of their products, comprehend corporate finance concepts as it will teach them essential financial principles, and get advice on crafting persuasive pitches which is essential to effectively present their ideas to investors. In total this program will teach prospective entrepreneurs the intricacies of business, which will develop their skills and boost confidence to run an entrepreneurial successfully.

The program has two new aspects this year: one-on-one support and mentor office hours. After the pitch competition, three students will be awarded startup financing from the incubator: $5,000 for the Pitch Competition Award, $3,000 for the Business Innovation Award, and $1,000 for the Audience Choice Award. Additionally, the competition winner will receive a complimentary trip to the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans.
In 2023, the incubator provided two summer internships and $44,000 in startup financing to 22 participants. Since its inception in 2021, the program has awarded a total of $85,500 to 48 winners and has provided four paid internships.

With initiatives like NextGen, the Collegiate Accelerator Program, and the Women of Color Program, WBENC will continue to engage participants when this one ends. The deadline to apply for the WOC Incubator is on Friday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m.

Editor's Note:

North Carolina A&T State University will be hosting the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 2024 Incubator. This prestigious event, which will bring together leading entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, is set to offer invaluable opportunities for women-owned businesses. This program focuses on innovation, mentorship, teaching skills for running a business, and empowering female entrepreneurs. Additionally, this program will award start-up finances to support young business women.

Skoobuzz encourages all young women entrepreneurs to participate in this program which will surely contribute to the growth and success of women-led enterprises.