Meet Grant. He’s the Program Manager for Flywheel Foundation and a driving force behind the Retail Lab Program at the Cabarrus Center in Concord, NC. His passion for supporting early-stage entrepreneurs is unmistakable.

The Retail Lab, made possible by a small business grant from Wells Fargo, is a collaborative initiative between Flywheel Foundation, the Rowan-Cabarrus Small Business Center (SBC), and the Cabarrus Center, offers a unique opportunity for anyone with a retail-focused idea or business to learn, grow, and connect.

According to Grant, the program is about much more than just resources—it’s about building a community of confident entrepreneurs.

“The Retail Lab is really for people new to business or those exploring a new concept,” he explained. “It’s tailored to early-stage entrepreneurs who are focused on retail services, products, or consumer packaged goods.”

Over the course of the program, participants engage in person with their cohort, gain access to expert instructors coordinated by Rowan-Cabarrus Small Business Center, and learn to distill their business ideas into concise, impactful pitches.

According to Grant, the confidence participants gain is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. “The confidence boost is amazing to watch,” he said. “The connections they make are equally impactful—whether it’s collaboration or a fresh perspective. Watching them pitch their ideas and grow through that process is incredible. Even if they don’t win a grant at the end, the process itself is so valuable.”

Grant recalled several transformative stories from past cohorts, including that of Melissa Scarfone, who initially struggled with nerves but ultimately pitched her idea with confidence. “Her family had balloons and a cake waiting for her to celebrate after,” Colgan said with a smile. “She gained so much confidence, and it was amazing to see.”

He also highlighted Cellar Door Wine Shop, a local business that overcame challenges, including the downtown Concord streetscape project, to enjoy a successful holiday season. “Seeing them thrive with the tools and connections they gained from the program is why we do this,” he added.

The partnership between Flywheel Foundation, the Rowan-Cabarrus SBC, and the Cabarrus Center ensures participants have access to a robust network of support. “Meg and I work closely to make sure participants get what they need,” Colgan shared. “We tap into our networks to source participants and share their stories afterward. It’s all about making sure no one falls through the cracks.”

The program also encourages graduates to connect with additional resources, such as local chambers of commerce, additional one-on-one support from the Small Business Center, or the Venture Mentoring Service, to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

Applications for the spring cohort are open now and close on February 24 at midnight.

For those doubting their readiness or qualifications for this program, Grant emphasized that the program is designed to meet people wherever they are in their entrepreneurial journey. “You don’t have to have it all together,” he said. “Even if you’re not a fit for this program, I’m happy to sit down and connect you with other resources.”

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to bring your retail dreams to life, this could be it.  Visit Cabarrus Center’s Retail Lab page for more information and to apply today. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a program that can transform your business and your confidence!