Retail Academy

WCC Small Business Center Retail Academy: Empowering Local Retail Entrepreneurs

The WCC Small Business Center, in partnership with the Flywheel Foundation, invites applications from early-stage and pre-launch retail business owners in Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany for our six-week Retail Academy Fall 2025 Cohort.

This comprehensive program provides essential training in key areas for retail success, including:

Business Basics
Business Modeling
Branding and Marketing
P.O.S. and Inventory Systems
E-Commerce
Real Estate and Downtown Development

Class meetings will be held Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m., September 9th – October 14th, 2025.

We encourage applications from a diverse range of retail product businesses, from handcrafted goods to technology. To be eligible, applicants should have an existing retail business or a well-defined plan to launch one within our service area.

Participants who successfully complete the six-week boot camp will gain valuable skills and an opportunity to pitch their business for potential grant funding on October 28th (6–8 p.m.) at the North Wilkesboro Town Hall Coworking. Grant funds are generously provided by the Flywheel Foundation, NC Tech Paths, and the WCC Small Business Center. Graduation will take place on November 4th at 6 p.m. at Window World Hall on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Please note that attendance is crucial; missing more than one class will impact eligibility for the final pitch.

The application for the Fall 2025 Cohort will be available from Tuesday, July 1st, to Friday, August 15th, at midnight. Applicants will be notified of their selection on September 4th.

This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen the local retail ecosystem, support regional entrepreneurs, and contribute to economic growth within our community.

Questions?

For more information about the program, please contact: