MWBEvolution

Nationally Proven curriculum and Cohort-based executive education for growth-oriented minority business owners

MWBEvolution in Durham powered by Interise is a new cohort-based opportunity for minority-owned established, growth-minded business owners designed to build and strengthen systems to growing.

Participants will join a cohort of up to 20 peer business owners for seven months of focused business instruction, networking, subject matter expert engagement, and peer to peer learning. 

Technical know-how for new founders

This action-oriented program will help owners and founders of growing businesses learn the strategic and technical foundations of running their businesses more efficiently through:

• Development of a three-year strategic growth plan tailored to their business
• Hands-on curriculum that combines business expertise and management know-how 
• Professional peer group of other founders and owners
• Access to experienced instructors and local business advisors
• Preparing owners to access growth capital and outside investment

Work on your business with your network

Owners will spend up to 100 hours working on their business, not just in it. This includes 40 hours of in-class time exploring topics like business and strategic assessments, finances, marketing and sales processes. Participants will also dedicate 12 hours to working with peer groups, which meet throughout the program to supplement in-class learning with real-world experience. This peer group will define essential discussion and working topics and will become a trusted advisory board over time.

Eligibility

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 

About the facilitation team

Interise is a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to delivering inclusive programs for established small businesses; and national partnerships that create impact at local, regional, and state-wide levels.

MWBEvolution in Durham builds on Interise’s award-winning StreetWise ‘MBA’ education, which has been effective in helping businesses lay the groundwork for growth, economic development, and job creation.

Shelton A. Russell 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.			Coach Michael Washington 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will open on September 21st for the upcoming MWBEvolution in Durham cohort. Applications will be accepted through Monday, October 2^nd.  Priority consideration will be given to business owners who apply by Wednesday, September 27^th.  The program will run from October 2023 through April 2024.

Spots are limited and will fill quickly for this competitive program, so apply starting September 21st and register now for an information session below.

Applications are closed at this time. 

Join one of two information sessions to learn more about MWBEvolution in Durham and see if the program is right for your business growth journey.

Local Stakeholder Convening

September 18^th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mwbevolution-stakeholder-event-tickets-708477895457

Business Owner Info Session

September 20^th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mwbevolution-business-owner-info-session-tickets-708486952547

 Related Links and Materials

MWBEvolution in Durham (PDF)

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW (PDF)

Contact us for additional questions the program.