Take your business to the next level!
Get the executive education, management know-how and business support system you need to grow your established small business through this intensive, cohort-based program. No previous degree required – just the willingness to work on your business, not just in it!
The Chamber is partnering with the national organization Interise on this program to help minority-owned businesses accelerate their growth.
Applications are closed for our inaugural cohort. Fill out an interest form below to get in touch with our program director and join the waiting list for 2022!
National Program Results
69% of alumni businesses increased or maintained their annual revenues, with an average annual revenue growth of 36%
80% of alumni businesses reported being profitable
$704 million in government contracting secured by alumni businesses
66% of alumni CEOs stay connected to fellow participants, with 32% doing business with each other
66% of alumni businesses added or retained jobs
(Based on 2018 Assessment Data, collected by Interise)
Eligibility
An ethnic minority-owned business
$175,000 – $10 million in annual revenues
One other full-time employee besides the owner(s)
Participant must be the CEO and/or a 51% owner
In business at least 3 years
Willingness and ability to attend class for 7 months, complete mandatory assignments and complete program surveys as requested
Meet the Graduates
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Channelle James
Channelle D. James is a faculty member in the Bryan School of Business and Economics at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also is the President and Executive Director of Community Ventures Inc. a non profit startup focused on creating social good in the City of Greensboro through entrepreneurship and social innovation. She publishes articles and book chapters based on her research in sustainable/social entrepreneurship, diversity, and community support of entrepreneurship for vulnerable communities. Channelle is a native of Asheville North Carolina where she developed an early interest in social change and community engagement. Channelle is also the producer of the Sustainable-E Podcast and an upcoming podcast titled “Hold My Purse While I Slay These Dragons,” where she challenges us to deeply examine how popular culture and society impacts our lives.
Learn more about Scale to Excel! How much time do you have?
5 minutes or less
