Applications open · Cohort begins June 23, 2026
Build the business you’ve been thinking about for too long.
The Next Gen Entrepreneur Program is a 15-week cohort designed for adults in the Charlotte metro area who are ready to launch or grow a small business — with real education, real mentorship, and real money on the line.
Applications are free. If selected, a $99 enrollment fee confirms your seat — and it’s fully refunded when you complete the program. Every graduate also receives a microgrant for their business. Top 3 students compete for a 4-figure pitch award.
15
weeks of structured learning & mentorship
$99
enrollment fee — paid by June 16, refunded at graduation
$5K+
pitch competition award (TBD)
100%
of graduates receive a microgrant
Who this is for
Made for entrepreneurs who haven’t had the right room yet.
This program is built for adults in the greater Charlotte metro area — Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, York, Iredell, and Union counties — who are ready to build something real.
You have an idea but haven’t launched
You know what you want to build — you just need the structure, knowledge, and community to make it happen.
You’ve started but hit a ceiling
Maybe you’re making some money but operating informally. You’re ready to make it official, sustainable, and scalable.
You want to go bigger
You have a side hustle with real potential — a fleet, a service, a brand — and you’re ready to treat it like a business.
Not the right fit? This program is for people serious about business ownership — not those who are satisfied with gig income as-is. But if driving for Turo has you thinking about owning a fleet, or delivering for DoorDash has you dreaming about your own brand — you belong here.
What you’ll learn
15 weeks. One complete foundation.
Every session is built around what underserved entrepreneurs actually need — not generic advice, but the specific knowledge that closes the gap between a great idea and a thriving business.
Weeks 1–2
Ownership mindset
Who you are as an entrepreneur. Mindset, identity, and purpose behind your business.
Weeks 3–4
Business formation
LLCs, S-Corps, EINs, and how to legally structure your business from day one.
Weeks 5–6
Financial foundations
Separating personal and business finances, budgeting, and basic bookkeeping.
Weeks 7–8
Credit & capital access
Business credit strategy, funding options, and how to access the capital you need.
Weeks 9–10
Operations & systems
Running your business efficiently — tools, workflows, and staying compliant.
Weeks 11–12
Marketing & growth
Branding, digital marketing, and how to attract and keep customers.
Weeks 13–14
Legacy planning
Estate planning, succession, and building something that lasts beyond you.
Week 15
Capstone pitch event
Present your business plan to a panel of local professionals, entrepreneurs, and partners.
Program format
Hybrid. Flexible. Consistent.
Sessions run every Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, June 23 through October 6. Three weeks are held virtually, and the fourth Tuesday of each month meets in person.
What you earn
Show up. Do the work. Get rewarded.
This program is designed to reward commitment. Every dollar you put in, you get back — and then some.
$99 enrollment fee — fully refunded
The fee is paid after you’re selected — it’s a commitment to your seat and to your cohort. Complete the program and every dollar comes back to you.
Microgrant for your business
Every graduate receives a microgrant to put directly toward their business — covering startup costs, tools, or whatever your next step requires.
Alumni digital resource hub
Ongoing access to recorded sessions, business templates, funding leads, and a growing network of fellow NextGen alumni.
Pitch competition — top 3 students win
At the end of the program, the top 3 students present their business plans at the capstone pitch event before a panel of local professionals and entrepreneurs. Top 3 students compete for a 4-figure award for their business — expected to be $5,000, with the final amount confirmed as funding is secured.
Key dates
The timeline
Now – June 4, 2026
Applications open. Free to apply. Submit your application through our online form. Seats are limited — apply early.
June 5, 8 & 9, 2026
Virtual interviews. Every applicant is interviewed before selection. Available windows: June 5, 8 & 9, 6:00–8:00 pm.
June 16, 2026
Notification of selection & enrollment fee due. Selected participants are notified and confirm their seat with the $99 enrollment fee, which is fully refunded upon graduation.
June 23, 2026
Program begins. First session at 6:30 pm. Week 1: Ownership Mindset.
October 6, 2026
Capstone pitch event. Graduates present. Top 3 students compete for the business award.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- ✓Resident of the Charlotte metro area (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, York, Iredell, or Union County)
- ✓Adult — primary focus on ages 21–45, though younger or older applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis
- ✓Serious about launching or growing a small business
- ✓Available every Tuesday, 6:30–8:30 pm for 15 weeks, with no more than 3 absences
- ✓Available for a virtual interview on June 5, 8, or 9, 2026 (6:00–8:00 pm)
Common questions
FAQs
Do I need an existing business to apply?
No. This program is designed for both aspiring entrepreneurs who haven’t launched yet and early-stage owners who want a stronger foundation.
Is there a cost to apply?
Applying is completely free. If you are selected for the program, a $99 enrollment fee is due by June 16 to confirm your seat. That fee is fully refunded when you complete the program.
What is the microgrant and how is it distributed?
Every graduate receives a microgrant to invest directly in their business. Details on the amount and distribution are shared with participants during the program.
What if I miss more than 3 sessions?
Completing at least 12 of 15 sessions is required to graduate and receive the fee refund and microgrant. Life happens — but your commitment to the cohort matters.
Is this program free?
The program is made possible through grant funding and designed to be as accessible as possible. There is no cost to apply. The $99 enrollment fee is only due if you’re selected — and it’s returned to you when you complete the program.
What happens after the program ends?
Graduates gain access to the NextGen Alumni Digital Resource Hub — an ongoing portal of tools, templates, recorded sessions, funding leads, and a community of fellow alumni.
About this program: The Next Gen Entrepreneur Program is a Konspicuous Foundation initiative made possible with support from the Truist Foundation. Konspicuous Foundation is committed to helping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs in underserved communities build wealth, protect their futures, and create lasting legacies.
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