Partners & Activities
We believe that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business but about fostering creativity, innovation, and leadership. To support this, we have cultivated a robust ecosystem of resources, partnerships, and activities designed to help you succeed.
We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders, local entrepreneurs, and corporate partners to provide mentorship, access to capital, and real-world business insights. Our partners include:
We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders, local entrepreneurs, and corporate partners to provide mentorship, access to capital, and real-world business insights. Our partners include:
R.E.A.L Entrepreneurship @ N.C. A&T: Build Your Business Plan
Program Overview:
The R.E.A.L Entrepreneurship program is a dynamic, 10-week intensive course designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs build a robust business plan. Tailored to enhance your chances of starting and operating a successful small business, this program offers a step-by-step guide to developing strategic plans that will propel your venture forward. Through hands-on training, expert guidance, and real-world applications, participants will gain the tools needed to transform ideas into thriving businesses.
The R.E.A.L Entrepreneurship program is a dynamic, 10-week intensive course designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs build a robust business plan. Tailored to enhance your chances of starting and operating a successful small business, this program offers a step-by-step guide to developing strategic plans that will propel your venture forward. Through hands-on training, expert guidance, and real-world applications, participants will gain the tools needed to transform ideas into thriving businesses.
Key Features & Benefits:
Our program offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to empower entrepreneurs, including:
Our program offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to empower entrepreneurs, including:
- Workshops: In-depth sessions every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, covering essential business development topics.
- Mentoring: Access to experienced business mentors who will guide you through every step of your business planning process.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and business experts to expand your network and gain valuable insights.
- Final Presentation: The program culminates with participants presenting their business plans, providing valuable feedback and exposure.
Eligibility & Application Process:
If you’re ready to take your business idea to the next level, we encourage you to apply! The program is open to individuals looking to develop a strong business plan. Only 20 applicants will be selected to participate in this exclusive cohort.
If you’re ready to take your business idea to the next level, we encourage you to apply! The program is open to individuals looking to develop a strong business plan. Only 20 applicants will be selected to participate in this exclusive cohort.
- Application Opens: Monday, September 16, 2024
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 1, at 11:59 PM EST
- Notification of Acceptance (By Email): Wednesday, October 2, 2024
- Sessions Begin: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, running consecutive for 10 weeks
NOTE: This 10-week, in-person cohort is mandatory.
Ready to kickstart your business journey? Click here to apply now and secure your spot in this transformative program. Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance!
NOTE: All sessions will be in-person @ the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation on N.C. A&T’s campus, Craig Hall, Room 337.
Equipping HBCU Founders to Launch and Grow Startups
The HBCU Founders Initiative Pre-Accelerator is an 8-week program designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs refine their business ideas, validate solutions, and build a minimum viable product (MVP). Founders gain access to expert mentorship, tailored workshops, and networking opportunities, all while exploring funding avenues to grow their ventures.
What You’ll Gain:
- Hands-on guidance from industry leaders
- Personalized curriculum and virtual sessions
- Opportunities for funding and investor pitching
Click here to learn more about joining a community dedicated to equipping HBCU entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed and innovate!
Empowering Women of Color Entrepreneurs
Click here to learn more and apply to turn your vision into a reality!
Unlock Career Opportunities with Micro-Internships
At North Carolina A&T State University, we are excited to partner with Parker Dewey to offer micro-internships for our undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. These short-term, professional assignments provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, build your resume, and connect with top employers—all while fitting into your schedule.
What are Micro-Internships?
Micro-internships are flexible, project-based opportunities that typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work. Unlike traditional internships, micro-internships are completed remotely and can be finished within a few days to a few weeks. They offer real-world experience across various industries and roles, from marketing and sales to data analysis and graphic design.
Advantages for Undergraduate Students
- Gain Real-World Experience: Micro-internships provide hands-on experience that allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges.
- Explore Different Careers: These short-term projects allow you to explore different fields and industries without committing to a full internship or job, helping you make informed career choices.
- Build Your Resume: By completing multiple micro-internships, you can showcase a range of skills and experiences, making your resume stand out to future employers.
- Flexible Schedule: Micro-internships are designed to fit into your busy academic schedule, allowing you to gain experience without sacrificing your studies.
Advantages for Graduate Students
- Enhance Professional Skills: Gain experience in your field of study and develop specialized skills that can enhance your career prospects.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Micro-internships provide opportunities to connect with professionals and build a network that could lead to future job opportunities.
- Transition into New Careers: For those looking to pivot to a new field or industry, micro-internships offer a low-risk way to gain experience and explore different career paths.
- Remote Work Experience: As remote work becomes more common, micro-internships offer valuable experience in managing and excelling in a virtual work environment.
Advantages for Alumni
- Re-Enter the Workforce: If you are looking to return to the workforce after a break, micro-internships provide a way to refresh your skills and gain current experience.
- Explore New Industries: Alumni looking to switch careers can use micro-internships to gain experience in new industries without a long-term commitment.
- Expand Your Network: Working on diverse projects with different companies allows you to build a broader professional network, opening up new career opportunities.
- Stay Current with Industry Trends: Micro-internships keep you engaged with current industry practices, ensuring your skills and knowledge remain relevant.
How to Get Started
Getting started with micro-internships is easy! Simply visit North Carolina A&T State University’s micro-internship portal to browse available projects and apply. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, explore new industries, or build your professional network, micro-internships offer a flexible and valuable way to advance your career.
Explore micro-internships today and take the next step in your professional journey!
Simulated Trading Challenge: Win Up to $5,000 in Scholarship Prizes!
Put your investment skills to the test in a risk-free trading environment. Learn, practice, and compete for a chance to win scholarship prizes while gaining real-world financial literacy.
Register Now – Free Entry! Deadline: October 2nd
About the Challenge
Overview:
The Simulated Trading Challenge is an experiential learning opportunity designed to provide students with hands-on experience in investing and wealth-building strategies. This 8-week competition allows participants to trade in a simulated environment using the Plynk app, where they can practice investing and develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics.
The Simulated Trading Challenge is an experiential learning opportunity designed to provide students with hands-on experience in investing and wealth-building strategies. This 8-week competition allows participants to trade in a simulated environment using the Plynk app, where they can practice investing and develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics.
Goals:
Our aim is to equip students with essential financial literacy and investment skills in a simulated, risk-free environment. Participants will learn how to make informed, risk-aware investment decisions, practice long-term strategies, and understand the importance of portfolio diversification.
Our aim is to equip students with essential financial literacy and investment skills in a simulated, risk-free environment. Participants will learn how to make informed, risk-aware investment decisions, practice long-term strategies, and understand the importance of portfolio diversification.
Target Audience:
This challenge is open to all students at NC A&T who have a keen interest in finance, trading, and investment. Whether you’re new to the world of trading or looking to hone your skills, this challenge offers an excellent platform to learn and grow.
This challenge is open to all students at NC A&T who have a keen interest in finance, trading, and investment. Whether you’re new to the world of trading or looking to hone your skills, this challenge offers an excellent platform to learn and grow.
How It Works
Structure:
The competition kicks off on October 4th, 2024, and runs through December 2nd, 2024. Each participant will create a simulated trading account starting with a virtual balance of $10,000. Using the Plynk app, students will have access to a variety of equities and ETFs to build and manage their portfolios. Points will be awarded for positive portfolio performance and other good investment practices.
The competition kicks off on October 4th, 2024, and runs through December 2nd, 2024. Each participant will create a simulated trading account starting with a virtual balance of $10,000. Using the Plynk app, students will have access to a variety of equities and ETFs to build and manage their portfolios. Points will be awarded for positive portfolio performance and other good investment practices.
Rules Summary:
- Registration is free and open until October 2nd, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Participants must complete their first trade in the simulated account by October 14th, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Points are awarded based on portfolio performance and activities in the Plynk app, such as exploring market categories and completing lessons.
- The winners will be determined by the total number of competition points.
- For detailed rules, click here.
Tools and Resources:
Participants will use the Plynk app to simulate real market conditions. It provides educational resources, market analysis tools, and opportunities to practice trading in a risk-free environment.
Participants will use the Plynk app to simulate real market conditions. It provides educational resources, market analysis tools, and opportunities to practice trading in a risk-free environment.
Benefits of Participation
Skills Development:
- Market analysis: Learn how to assess market trends and individual securities.
- Risk management: Gain hands-on experience managing portfolio risks and making informed investment decisions.
- Financial literacy: Develop an investor’s mindset focused on long-term financial health and stability.
Networking Opportunities:
Connect with fellow students, mentors, and industry professionals throughout the competition to build your network and gain valuable insights into the world of investing.
Connect with fellow students, mentors, and industry professionals throughout the competition to build your network and gain valuable insights into the world of investing.
Prizes and Recognition:
Top-performing participants will win scholarship prizes:
Top-performing participants will win scholarship prizes:
- 1st Place: $5,000
- 2nd Place: $3,000
- 3rd Place: $2,000
- 4th-6th Place: $1,000 each
Prizes will be awarded in the form of a scholarship check sent to the winners' university financial aid offices.
Eligibility and Registration
Who Can Join:
The competition is open to all U.S. residents aged 18 or older who are currently enrolled at NC A&T. Employees of Digital Brokerage Services LLC and their immediate families are not eligible.
The competition is open to all U.S. residents aged 18 or older who are currently enrolled at NC A&T. Employees of Digital Brokerage Services LLC and their immediate families are not eligible.
How to Register:
- Visit the registration form and complete the required fields.
- Submit your registration by October 2nd, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Check your email on October 4th, 2024, for competition launch instructions.
- Complete your first trade in the Plynk app by October 14th, 2024.
Fees:
Participation in the competition is free of charge.
Participation in the competition is free of charge.
FAQs
Q: How do I win the competition?
A: Winners are determined based on total competition points earned through portfolio performance and actions within the Plynk app.
A: Winners are determined based on total competition points earned through portfolio performance and actions within the Plynk app.
Q: What if I’ve never traded before?
A: No worries! This competition is designed for beginners and includes educational resources to help you learn as you go.
A: No worries! This competition is designed for beginners and includes educational resources to help you learn as you go.
Q: Can I win more than one prize?
A: No, each participant is eligible for a single prize based on their total competition points.
A: No, each participant is eligible for a single prize based on their total competition points.
Register Now!
Register Now – Free Entry! Deadline: October 2nd.
NOTE: Join us for the Kick-Off Event on October 2 from 6-7 PM in Student Center Room 385. We've got delicious food, fantastic giveaways, and a chance to learn more about the competition.
