Meet Grant. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to Grant, the program is about much more than just resources\u2014it\u2019s about building a community of confident entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Retail Lab is really for people new to business or those exploring a new concept,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt\u2019s tailored to early-stage entrepreneurs who are focused on retail services, products, or consumer packaged goods.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to Grant, the confidence participants gain is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. \u201cThe confidence boost is amazing to watch,\u201d he said. \u201cThe connections they make are equally impactful\u2014whether it\u2019s collaboration or a fresh perspective. Watching them pitch their ideas and grow through that process is incredible. Even if they don\u2019t win a grant at the end, the process itself is so valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cHer family had balloons and a cake waiting for her to celebrate after,\u201d Colgan said with a smile. \u201cShe gained so much confidence, and it was amazing to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cSeeing them thrive with the tools and connections they gained from the program is why we do this,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The partnership between Flywheel Foundation, the Rowan-Cabarrus SBC, and the Cabarrus Center ensures participants have access to a robust network of support. \u201cMeg and I work closely to make sure participants get what they need,\u201d Colgan shared. \u201cWe tap into our networks to source participants and share their stories afterward. It\u2019s all about making sure no one falls through the cracks.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Applications for the spring cohort are open now and close on February 24 at midnight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to have it all together,\u201d he said. \u201cEven if you\u2019re not a fit for this program, I\u2019m happy to sit down and connect you with other resources.\u201d<\/p>\n