MWBEvolution

Nationally proven curriculum and cohort-based executive education for growth-oriented minority business owners was offered by MWBEvolution in Durham powered by Interise, providing a new cohort-based opportunity for minority-owned established, growth-minded business owners aimed at building and strengthening systems for growth.

Participants joined 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 helped 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 combined business expertise and management know-how
• Professional peer group of other founders and owners
• Access to experienced instructors and local business advisors
• Preparation of owners to access growth capital and outside investment

Work on your business with your network

Owners spent up to 100 hours working on their business, not just in it. This included 40 hours of in-class time exploring topics like business and strategic assessments, finances, marketing, and sales processes. Participants also dedicated 12 hours to working with peer groups, which met throughout the program to supplement in-class learning with real-world experience. This peer group defined essential discussion and working topics and became 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 

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.