About Us

The Institute for Entrepreneurship offers support to those who want to start a small business or those who want help with an existing business. First established as the Small Business Center, the college has expanded services and resources to become the Institute for Entrepreneurship. The Institute is a partner in the Small Business Center Network. This network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community based provider of training, counseling, and resource information. 

Mission

The Institute for Entrepreneurship seeks to increase the success of small business in Mecklenburg County by providing expert and readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners and their employees.  The Institute will do this by creating an environment where entrepreneurial research, education and business support can flourish through education, training, and counseling services.

Who We Serve

The Institute for Entrepreneurship has four distinct target groups: Clients, Resource Partners, Business Providers, and Underwriters.

Clients

The Institute exists to serve clients who are starting or growing small businesses within Mecklenburg County.

Resource Partners

Resource Partners are defined as non-profit organizations or government entities that offer resources or services that support the mission of the Institute. Examples include: Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Mecklenburg County’s Minority & Women Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Program and Latin-American Chamber of Commerce (LACC).

Business Providers

Business Providers are defined as a for-profit organizations whose focus is providing fee or commission-based services that support the mission of the Institute. Business Providers will be listed in the Institute for Entrepreneurship's online data base, coming soon. Examples of Business Providers include law firms, accounting firms, marketing and similar organizations.

Underwriters

Underwriters are individual or corporate partners who support the mission of the Institute because it makes good business sense and encourages economic development for the region. Examples of corporate underwriters are local banks, small business vendors, etc.