MWB Evolution
Our Program
The program is available to eligible Durham County entrepreneurs at no cost as part of the county’s ongoing commitment to build capacity among MWBE businesses.
To be eligible, business owners must:
- Be incorporated or operating in Durham County
- Must be a minority owned business
- Employ at least one person other than the owner
- Have two years of operating history
- Report between $100,000 and $5 million in revenue
- Have a demonstrated desire to grow their business
- Be receptive to coaching, mentorship and collaborating with peers
- Prepare to commit up to 10 hours each month through the 7-month program
Facilitation Team
Shelton A. Russell
Program Manager
Shelton A. Russell owns Evolution Supportive Services LLC, a consulting firm providing business development and training services for diverse companies, and diverse business program administration services to private and government clients. Russell is also the publisher of American DBE Magazine, a trade periodical for historically underrepresented businesses and stakeholders in the infrastructure, transportation, and construction industries. Russell received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business with a concentration in finance.
Michael Washington
Instructor
Michael Washington is a coach, mentor, entrepreneur, educator, and motivational speaker. He is a native of Richmond, Va. Coach Michael earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina A & T State University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is the founder and managing partner of Washington Consulting Group, LLC where he helps business owners and business professionals in improving all aspects of their business or career through education, guidance, support, and encouragement.
Cohort #1
MWBEvolution’s Cohort #1, powered by Interise, offered a nationally proven curriculum and cohort-based executive education designed specifically for growth-oriented historically underutilized business owners in Durham. This program provided a unique opportunity for established, growth-minded business owners to build and strengthen systems for expansion.
What Cohort One Achieved:
Participants engaged in a comprehensive seven-month program, joining a cohort of up to 20 peer business owners for intensive business instruction, networking, and peer-to-peer learning. This action-oriented program was crafted to equip business owners with both strategic and technical knowledge, focusing on:
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Development of a Customized Growth Plan: Participants created a three-year strategic growth plan tailored to their specific business needs.
- Hands-On Curriculum: The program combined expert business insights with practical management skills.
- Professional Peer Group: Owners collaborated with fellow founders, forming a trusted advisory board through regular peer group meetings.
- Access to Expertise: Participants received guidance from experienced instructors and local business advisors.
- Preparation for Growth Capital: The program prepared owners to seek growth capital and outside investment.
Cohort #1 Graduation
Owners dedicated up to 100 hours to working on their business, including 40 hours of in-class instruction covering business assessments, finances, marketing, and sales processes. They also spent 12 hours working with peer groups, enhancing their learning with real-world experience and collaborative problem-solving.
Watch the Cohort #1 Graduation