Premier Incubator Program for Women of Color Entrepreneurs at HBCUs
The WBENC Women of Color Incubator is a premier program designed for Black female student entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This incubator provides the next generation of Black women entrepreneurs with the resources, community and support they need to strengthen their idea and grow their early-stage ventures.
Students accepted into the incubator will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from some of the most successful women-owned businesses and America’s largest Fortune 500 companies.
The Incubator culminates with a Pitch Competition awarding thousands of dollars in seed capital and the opportunity to receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, LA, for FREE to access a network of 4,000+ attendees.
Upon program completion, graduates will continue their engagement with WBENC via continued office hours and programs such as the Collegiate Accelerator Program, NextGen, and continued participation in the Women of Color Program.
Incubator Prize Packages
The Incubator at WOC Incubator at North Carolina Central will culminate with a Pitch Competition awarding seed funding prize packages:
- Pitch Competition Award: $5,000
- Business Innovation Award: $3,000
- Audience Choice Award: $1,000
Apply now through Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:59pm EST. Spots in the program are limited.
Program Dates
September 19 – November 1
Location
North Carolina Cental University Campus
Class Schedule
All in-person and virtual session dates are mandatory for acceptance into the 2024 Incubators.
- Session 1: Thurs, Sep 19, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Incubator Kickoff | On NCCU Campus
- Session 2: Thurs, Sep 26, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Refining Ideas & Opportunities | Virtual via Zoom
- Session 3: Thurs, Oct 3, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Creating Prototypes & Experiments | Virtual via Zoom
- Session 4: Thurs, Oct 10, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Understanding Revenues & Expenses | On NCCU Camps
- Session 5: Thurs, Oct 17, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Preparing for Effective Launch | Virtual via Zoom
- Session 6: Thurs, Oct 24, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST – Perfecting Your Pitch | Virtual via Zoom
- Session 7: Fri, Nov 1, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST – Incubator Pitch Competition | On NCCU Campus
WOC Incubator at North Carolina Cental University Sponsor
WBENC WOC Program Founding Sponsors
“At the beginning of my journey with WBENC, I had no idea how far the incubator would push me in regard to my business, let alone my confidence. Working with the individuals who lead this incubator allowed me to discover potential I didn't realize I had. What started off as a small idea birthed into something great over the few short weeks. The program speaks for itself, as long as you apply the advice given to you, failure is not an option. You get to leave with a different level of knowledge and understanding for what it is you're pursuing, along with access to a variety of people who are simply waiting for the opportunity to help those who need it. With the tools and advice provided to me, I was able to win first place at my first business pitch competition. Thanks to WBENC, this is just the beginning of my journey."
Cayla Jackson
Founder & CEO, A Knew U
"Starting a business seemed daunting, but the WBENC WOC Incubator offered invaluable knowledge and a supportive network. A personal breakthrough for me was in the area of pitching, which transformed from a chore into an opportunity to share my passion and vision. The program's flexible format accommodates different learning styles and paces. A standout moment was when I finally pitched my idea and heard the applause, realizing I had achieved my goal. The WBENC WOC Incubator is a launchpad for your business dreams, wrapped in a community that supports, challenges, and celebrates you."
Tia Pope
Founder & CEO, Malva Mallow
"Applying for the WBENC WOC Incubator was one of the best decisions I made this year! I already started a small business, applied, and the weekend before the program started, I got a new business idea and decided to work on it during the program. In weeks, our informative sessions, their guidance, and office hours turned my idea into a full business ready to start! Regardless of whether you win the competition money, you walk away with so much knowledge and encouragement that you are destined to succeed! I recommend that anyone who is interested in entrepreneurship or has a business idea apply!"
Naomi Gorham
Founder & CEO, The Creation Space
"The WBENC WOC Incubator provided me with the much need insight on how to structure and market my business. Each session was well organized and provided me with in-depth examples. The incubator office hours added a complementary layer to the program, in which we were able to get support from top professionals in the industry. I found office hours to be supportive, attentive, and productive. I am grateful for the WBENC WOC Incubator community and our ability to connect on our shared experiences as professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs."
Chantel Brookes
Founder & CEO, Luck Lotus Holistic Care, LLC
