Raleigh’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem offers a wealth of resources designed to support and nurture small businesses and startups. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the city provides numerous programs and organizations to assist you on your journey.
NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic
Inspired by the hospital teaching model, the NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic integrates research, teaching, and real-world experience. Located within the Raleigh Founded Warehouse, the clinic offers students the opportunity to work alongside startups and corporations, providing practical experience while earning academic credit. This initiative not only benefits students but also offers companies access to top interdisciplinary talent from NC State. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Clinic.
Andrews Launch Accelerator
For NC State founders aiming to scale their businesses, the Andrews Launch Accelerator provides a 12-week program offering equity-free seed capital, mentorship, and resources. Participants receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, access to local business services, banking relationships, and connections with angel investors and venture capitalists. The program is open to startups founded or co-founded by current NC State students or recent graduates. Discover more about the Andrews Launch Accelerator.
LaunchRaleigh
Focusing on under-resourced communities in Southeast Raleigh, LaunchRaleigh offers an eight-week business training program, micro-loans, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This initiative aims to develop successful entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and support to those with limited access to financial and business tools. Find out more about LaunchRaleigh.
Access to Capital
Securing funding is a critical step for any business. Raleigh offers various capital sources, including commercial banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, public agencies, and nonprofits. Additionally, venture capital, angel investors, and other equity financing options are available through networks that connect entrepreneurs with potential investors. Explore access to capital resources.
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support Organizations
Raleigh is home to numerous organizations dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. These include:
- Consult Your Community: Offers free support, new business assistance, training resources, networking, and vendor events.
- EDPNC Small Business Advisors: Provides free support and new business assistance.
- El Centro Hispano: Offers free support, services in Spanish, new business assistance, and networking events.
- Prospera NC: Provides free support, services in Spanish, new business assistance, training resources, and networking events.
- SCORE Raleigh: Offers free support, new business assistance, and training resources.
- Small Business & Technology Development Center: Provides free support, new business assistance, and training resources.
- Triangle ArtWorks: Offers free support, new business assistance, training resources, networking, and vendor events.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Provides free support, services in Spanish, and new business assistance.
- Veterans Business Outreach Center: Offers free support, new business assistance, and training resources.
- Wake Tech Small Business Center: Provides free support, new business assistance, and training resources.
- Women’s Business Center of NC / The Institute: Offers free support, services in Spanish, new business assistance, training resources, and networking events.
These organizations offer a range of services, including training, development resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, often free of charge. Learn more about these support organizations.
By leveraging these resources, Raleigh’s entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, the city’s robust support network is here to help you succeed.