Aggie Venture Development Lab

The Aggie Venture Development Lab is an applied entrepreneurship learning lab and student incubator/hatchery for students who are interested in starting or growing a business, creating innovation for established companies and developing market-based solutions to social problems.

Students who are admitted to the lab’s program have 24/7 access and receive priority scheduling to the lab’s resources.

Work Spaces

Participants gain 24-hour access to a shared facility where they have Wi-Fi, conference rooms, and computers.

Mentoring

Mentors and local entrepreneurs are available to help student entrepreneurs learn and succeed.

Workshops and Special Sessions

Students will participate in entrepreneurship education, covering various topics that relate to startups. Mentors and local entrepreneur service providers conduct these events, which are designed to address the business planning and development needs of all our ventures. They also share their stories and lessons learned.

Business Service Providers

Students will have access to a roster of business providers such as accountants, lawyers, graphic designers, etc., with experience working with small businesses and startups and that offer free or discounted services.

Funding

Aggie Startup Fund provides cash awards to seed startup businesses for participants who reach certain milestones within the Startup Lab program. The intent of the funds is to support the evolution of the business, while refining the concept and business model.

Funds are to be used for prototyping, filing a patent, building a website, marketing materials, licenses, competition fees and general business purposes, upon approval by Aggie Venture Development Lab. In addition, student teams are connected to funding opportunities in the city and the state.

Networking

Students are expected to learn as much from one another as they do from the lab, staff and mentors. We provide opportunities for students to connect with the Greensboro and Triad entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes investors, entrepreneurs, accountants, lawyers, etc. Students also have access to other community resources, such as the co-working space for local entrepreneurs, the Forge; a Makerspace; and the Think House at UNC Greensboro, a learning community for college entrepreneurs.

Eligibility and Application

All N.C. A&T students with innovative, viable ideas who want to launch or scale a startup are eligible to apply to the Aggie Venture Development Lab.
To become a participant in the Aggie Venture Development Lab:

1) Submit an application. The completed application should be submitted to the CEI office in person or by email to mcewent@crnabiz.com.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; however, students are encouraged to apply early in the semester to take full advantage of the CEI’s resources and other benefits.

2) Complete an interview with the director.

3) Sign a contract to indicate agreement to abide by the terms and policies associated with the operation of the Aggie Startup Lab.

Students/teams are admitted into the Aggie Venture Development Lab for the duration of the current semester only. To continue beyond the current semester, students must receive a satisfactory review from the director and demonstrate commitment to developing their businesses.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program (EIR) provides students access to successful entrepreneurs insights/expertise, advice, and coaching to help them develop their businesses. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence will meet one-on-one with students to counsel and mentor them about venture creation, conduct workshops and serve as guest speakers for classes. The EIR is a resource to help students refine their business ideas and start their business.

Entrepreneur Mentor Program

The Entrepreneur Mentor Program matches students with mentors from a list of successful alumni entrepreneurs and other seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals from the local community. They will serve as role models, advisors, mentors, and coaches. The program provides students with advice and guidance from a team of mentors with proven skills and relevant experiences.

To participate in the Entrepreneurial Mentor Program just complete and submit the application form. All applicants will be invited to an initial meeting to better understand your venture and the type of assistance needed.