
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. The inaugural cohort will begin in early 2021.
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